Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, has raised an incredible £2510 for the Company’s charity of the year, Elsie’s Rose, set up by parents, Annie and Ben Gould after losing their beloved first-born daughter, Elsie, to a brain tumour in 2021.
Seventeen employees of the firm took part in the gruelling 2026 Dorset Mud Run on Saturday 16th May, completing the 6km run with over 15 tough, but muddy-fun obstacles held at the Stock Gaylard Estate.
The team, made up of staff from both Greendale’s Poole and Winchester offices and sites, all successfully finished the challenge, raising the much-needed funds for Elsie’s Rose which supports bereaved parents and those with children suffering life-limiting conditions. The money raised by generous Mud Run donations adds to the £1245 cheque Greendale Construction presented to Elsie’s Rose after the Company’s Christmas party raffle.
Annie and Ben’s daughter, Elsie, was born on 6th August 2020 — healthy, happy and full of character. But on 14th August 2021, completely out of the blue, Elsie suffered a fit. Following a visit to Poole Hospital, she was discharged with a diagnosis of BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Episode).
The seizures and hospital admissions continued, and at just over a year old, Elsie was diagnosed with epilepsy. On 17th September 2021, her condition worsened significantly. After an unsettled night in hospital, Annie and Ben woke to find Elsie unresponsive and struggling to breathe. A CT scan revealed a non-cancerous brain tumour, which had caused a fluid-filled cyst putting pressure on her brain. Elsie was transferred to Southampton General Hospital for brain surgery.
Despite initial success, further scans, medication and sedation followed in the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) until, heartbreakingly, on 22nd September 2021, Elsie’s life support was turned off, and she passed away in Annie and Ben’s arms.
Annie Gould, Mum, and founder of Elsie’s Rose, said: “Our whole family would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Greendale for raising such an incredible amount of money for Elsie’s Rose.
“When we started this charity, our goal was simple: to help other bereaved parents like us and to let them know they are not alone. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to face, and the support we receive from our community is what enables us to continue helping families through some of the darkest times of their lives. As bereaved parents, we face challenges every single day. The grief never disappears, and learning to live alongside that loss is a journey that continues forever. Knowing that people are willing to challenge themselves, give up their time, and work so hard to raise money for a cause that is so deeply personal to us is incredibly touching.”
“We are overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity, and support shown by the team at Greendale. Every pound raised will help us continue Elsie’s legacy by supporting other families who are navigating the heartbreak of child loss. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in Elsie’s Rose and for helping her make a difference. Your support means more to us than words can ever truly express.”
Maria Seabright, HR and Finance Director, Greendale Construction, said: “We are so proud and impressed with the amazing Greendale team for completing this tough challenge to raise a fantastic £2510 for Elsie’s Rose. We are continually inspired by the incredible work of Elsie’s Rose and the difference the charity makes in supporting bereaved parents and families facing life-limiting conditions. We would also like to thank everyone who donated so generously. Every contribution will go a long way in helping families who need support.”
You can find out more about Elsie’s Rose by clicking here
