The astonishing sum, raised during the Italian restaurant’s Christmas campaign, has been donated to Bpositive
GUSTO’S charity Christmas campaign always goes down well - ‘tis the season of giving after all. But last December saw the acclaimed Italian restaurant raise the largest amount to date, with an astonishing £2000 handed over to Bpositive in a special ceremony on Monday 10 January; complete with a giant cheque in more ways than one.
Gusto’s donation will be used towards putting a North West ‘buddy system’ in place
Manchester’s generosity had a large part to play in the final amount, with a discretionary £1 added to Gusto customers’ bills throughout December. Clued up staff were only too happy to elaborate on the charity’s mission, with many customers - said Bpositive trustee Julie Taylor - donating more than £1 as a result.
A regular Gusto customer, Julie initially introduced the restaurant to the charity, which helps adult sufferers of acute leukaemia: the title being a pun on founder Jonjo Rooney’s blood group. With every session of chemotherapy and every saline drip administered, Jonjo felt this was a message to ‘be positive’ - something that, whilst difficult, was essential for morale.
Typically, children leukaemia suffers receive more coverage than adults. For adults, however, the prognosis is generally worse; with only a 40% survival rate. Bpositive helps to raise awareness of the condition, and provide sufferers with the support that Jonjo lacked when diagnosed with the condition in 2006. Doctors, nurses, family, friends...all tried their best to keep up spirits but what Jonjo really wanted was someone who simply understood: someone not related who had been through the same experience and could truly empathise.
Gusto’s donation will hence be used towards putting a North West ‘buddy system’ in place; something that, while being implemented nationally, is still in the early stages. Bpositive is working with Dr Mike Dennis at The Christie to get this started, with other plans to include support for carers and entertainment such as iPads. Usually survivors themselves, buddies are essential in making such a frightening time for all involved a lot less isolating.
Other initiatives run by Bpositive to bring affected people together include an online community, regular meetings, fundraising, working with health professionals to provide support and information and representing the voice of acute leukaemia patients.
Gusto has previously supported the charity by hosting a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at its Knutsford branch during the Tatton Park RHS Flower Show 2014, with all proceeds going to Bpositive, and helping with the Manchester Cook Off; an event held in June last year at The Midland Hotel and judged by chefs Simon Rogan, Aiden Byrne and Simon Wood.
Find out more about Bpositive here
