Newark-based Kawasaki Disease charity Societi Foundation celebrates share of £1million Benefact Group fund

A Newark-based charity has celebrated winning a share of a £1million fund, with the donation set to allow it to publish its own children’s book.

Societi Foundation is the UK foundation for Kawasaki disease, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.

The donation will enable the charity to publish a children’s book which will explain to families the affects of Kawasaki disease to young family members and close ones in a more child friendly format.

It was gifted by Benefact Group’s Movement for Good, which is set to give away over £1million across the year, including 150 awards of £1,000.

Founder of the Societi Foundation, Rachel McCormack, said: “We are thrilled to have received a donation from Movement for Good.

“We know that early diagnosis and rapid treatment are the single best things we can do right now to change outcomes for children in the UK.

“To achieve this, we need more people to know Kawasaki disease and for doctors to think Kawasaki disease as a possible diagnosis in any children with a persistent, unexplained high fever.

“As a small charity, this donation will go such a long way to power our work to protect children’s hearts. We are very grateful indeed for your support.”

Mark Hews, Benefact Group’s group chief executive, thanked “every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause”.

He added: “We are delighted to be able to donate over £1million to good causes each year through our Movement for Good Awards and are grateful to all our supporters, including the customers of the trusted insurer, Ecclesiastical, and the responsible and sustainable asset manager, EdenTree.

“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

The contribution will allow 200 books to be produced, to help families throughout the UK.