A CROSS Hills chemical company raised £5,000 for a local bereavement group by hosting a community golf tournament.

Airedale Chemical chose to raise funds for the Sunbeam Support Group after it was set up by a friend of the company’s managing director.

The group is for bereaved parents and families, helping following the loss of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Based at the Sunbeam Garden at Airedale General Hospital, it hosts various events where families can access support.

To raise money for the group, Airedale Chemical held an event for golfers of all abilities.

Local residents and businesses competed for the longest drive and the player nearest the pin, followed by a two-course dinner at the Keighley Golf Club house.

Grace Detoeuf, who helped set up the group following the loss of her son Louis, said the “incredibly generous” partnership with Airedale Chemical was really appreciated.

She said: “The funds will be life-changing for families who need access to bereavement support and it’s invaluable to us to be able to help them at a difficult time. “

Airedale Chemical’s fundraising golf day is the latest initiative from the company’s charitable arm, the Airedale Foundation, which is committed to developing links and supporting the local community.

As part of the programme, the firm is partnered with Sutton Community Primary School, and throughout the year has arranged two visits to encourage year four pupils’ interest in STEM subjects.

This involved a visit to the school from research and development chemist, Madeline Lofthouse, who answered questions about working in a STEM career and inviting pupils for a day on site conducting experiments and understanding chemistry.

Airedale Chemical won an award in the ‘reputation’ category in the 2019 Chemical Industry Awards for its work in building its own reputation as well as that of the industry.

Daniel Marr, commercial director at Airedale Chemical, said “One of our core values is developing relationships and we’re so proud to have achieved this with our commitment to Sunbeam Support Group and Sutton Community Primary School.

“The golf day was a huge success; a big thank you for everyone who was involved and donated towards the cause.

“Community is at the heart of our business and the whole team works extremely hard to make a difference. We will continue to build on the strong links we’ve made within our community and continue to build support with important local causes.”

Airedale Chemical has been based in Cross Hills since 1994 and provides chemicals and contract manufacturing to markets including manufacturing, dairy, recycling and waste management.