Meet Our Ambassador – Alan Grimadell
I’m Alan Grimadell, and I’m proud to be an Ambassador for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre. Born and bred in Derby, I’ve always been passionate about supporting my local community, and this charity holds a special place in my heart. With a background in accountancy, I use my experience to help ensure the charity continues its vital work, giving children the chance to enjoy life-changing seaside holidays.
I first entered local politics in 2006 and have had the privilege of representing both Chaddesden and Chellaston Wards on Derby City Council. Over the years, I’ve held roles including Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture, and Tourism, as well as Deputy Mayor of Derby. In 2023, I was honoured to be elected President of the Derby Civic Society, reflecting my commitment to Derby’s heritage and future.
I joined DCHC as a Trustee in 2019, serving as Chairman until 2024. This charity makes a real difference in children’s lives, and I’m passionate about ensuring its impact continues for generations to come.
Meet our Ambassadors David and Ann Harris
Ann and I were honoured to be invited to serve as ambassadors for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre (DCHC) following my retirement as Fundraising Officer. Having spent many years as a Trustee, Managing Secretary, and Fundraising Officer, this role allows us to continue supporting the charity’s vital work in a meaningful way.
As ambassadors, we see our role as an opportunity to support DCHC wherever we can, giving talks about the charity’s work with disadvantaged Derbyshire children, raising awareness, and generating financial support. We also attend presentations to highlight the impact of our work and promote the charity’s mission wherever possible.
Recently, we have taken the opportunity to explain the current situation regarding the temporary closure of the Centre. Many people have asked us about this, and we’ve been able to reassure them that this is simply a ‘pause’ while we strengthen our financial position and plan for the future. We’ve reminded supporters that the charity faced a similar challenge over thirty years ago when County Council funding was withdrawn. At that time, we came back stronger and we are confident that we will do so again.
We have been encouraged by the response from those we have spoken to. While people are saddened by the temporary closure, they are overwhelmingly supportive once they understand the situation. Very few have withdrawn their support, and many remain committed to helping us move forward. This continued encouragement means a great deal to us both.
Meet Our Junior Ambassador – Corey Dobson
Nine-year-old boy Corey Dobson, of Spondon, has previously been to the holiday centre twice and when he heard that the centre would be closing to raise more money, he decided to put his best foot forward and raise some himself.
His aim was to walk 100 miles over four weeks and by just walking to and from school and other local places, he was able to amass 191 miles. Corey, who has high-functioning autism, also held two bake sales at his school, Springfield Primary, and was able to donate just over £2,000 to the charity.
Mum Angie said: “It’s an amazing charity and Corey wanted to give something back when he heard it wouldn’t be open this year, so he has done. He received a certificate, and became a Junior Ambassador, for his efforts and is now hoping to raise more money later in the year. It’s just the two of us at home and we’d never had a break from each other before he went to the centre. It did us both a lot of good.
We are delighted to have Corey on our team of ambassadors, and it’s testimony to his efforts and passion for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre that led us to making him our first Junior Ambassador.
Thank you Corey for all of your efforts.
Below – Corey with his mum, Angie
