Housing association employees have marked the end of a successful fundraising campaign by handing over donations to great causes chosen by staff.

Each year Housing Plus Group backs charities chosen by their employee of the year. During 2016 they raised money for Lupus UK and the Fetal Medicine Unit of Birmingham Women’s Hospital, charities picked by Property Plus technician Paul Green.

The pounds came rolling in thanks to raffles, sponsored runs and dress down days. The main ingredient, though, proved to be the baking skills of some of the employees and the collective sweet tooth of their colleagues. So when it was time to present the funds to the charities, they decided to abandon traditional giant cheques and say it with cake, instead.

“Staff raised a brilliant total of £1,653.14, which represents fantastic generosity as well as an enormous appetite for cupcakes,” said Housing Plus Group’s chief executive officer Sarah Boden.

Fortunately some of those extra calories were put to good use with a team of Housing Plus Group staff sponsored to take part in the Great Midlands Fun Run and a gruelling obstacle course at Weston Park.

Cheques were presented to Yvonne Norton, vice chair of Lupus UK and Eileen Rock, fundraising manager for Birmingham Women’s Hospital.

“We are really grateful for the support of everyone at Housing Plus Group. This donation will help fund a specialist research nurse here in the Midlands,” said Yvonne Norton.

Eileen Rock was equally pleased: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as one of the charities of the year for Housing Plus Group. Their support will make a real difference to families under our care.”