Philippines typhoon appeal to benefit from couple's water win

12th December 2013

Pete Gritton and Gill Redmond, of Hightown, won a prize draw organised by electronic billing service MyBillsOnline. 

Both are customers of Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (SBW) which provides drinking water to approximately half a million people in parts of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Pete, a seasonal craft workshop leader at The Lantern Community in Ringwood, said the win had come as "a huge surprise."

He added: "We're going to donate some of the money to the Disasters Emergency Committee which is coordinating the appeal for victims of the Philippines typhoon.

"The rest will pay for a radio microphone to help me when I'm calling for folk band Jigfoot. 

"My partner, Gill, is a cellist in the band which plays for ceilidhs, barn dances and parties. We are holding a ceilidh on January 4 2014 at Ringwood Waldorf School to raise money for WaterAid. It's a public event, tickets are £8 and £5 and all are welcome."

Roger Harrington, SBW's Managing Director, said: "We feel really lucky to have another prize-winner and are very pleased that Pete and Gill are giving some of the money to the Philippines typhoon appeal. 

"Our own staff and the company have supported this appeal, raising money in a number of ways, including raffling a day's leave. 

"I’d also like to wish the couple every success with their concert for WaterAid next year.”

SBW was one of the first organisations to sign up for the electronic billing service which gives customers a more convenient way to view, manage and pay their water bills.

The secure service is free, easy to use, doesn’t require multiple passwords and reduces the need to send paper bills through the post.