Macclesfield's Manuka Money with Christmas gift to charity after year of fundraising

By Alex Greensmith 8th Dec 2023

Carl Atkinson, Samantha Smith and Darren Smith of Manuka Money. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)
Carl Atkinson, Samantha Smith and Darren Smith of Manuka Money. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

A Macclesfield business have provided a festive gift to a local charity.

Manuka Money have spent all year raising money for Macclesfield's Space4Autism.

Manuka Money who recently moved to a new office at Gawsworth Business Court, Shellow Lane in Gawsworth is on target to raise over £1,500 for the Mill Lane charity.

Macclesfield Nub News first met with Manuka at the start of the year, and have now caught up with them again as they reflect on the 12-month challenge.

Manuka Money is a mortgage, loan and protection broker, based at the Gawsworth Business Court. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Manuka's choice of charity - Space4Autism - was quite simple. Co-Founder Carl Atkinson's eldest son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD and this charity is doing phenomenal things with the support they offer to families, adults, children and carers alike. In fact, they support over 6,000 Spacers across the North West.

Carl with Co-Founders Darren and Sammy Smith decided to embark on raising £1,500 by covering 6,000 km (one km for every Spacer), whether that be running, walking, cycling.

"We completed that goal in November having took on activities like running the Macclesfield Half Marathon, cycling in the Italian / Slovenian Alps, competing in the weekly Congleton Park Run and much much more."

"We have one more event to complete before we put our feet up in the Tatton 10k in December."

They even got a bit carried away with the fundraising exercise, as they did 159 more miles than they originally intended. (4159) (Image - Manuka Money)

"Cheryl Simpson MBE has been fantastic throughout, she has provided us with running tops, and water bottles to help us spread awareness."

And it is not too late to donate via the JustGiving page, you can do so by clicking HERE.

"We cannot thank Carl and all at Manuka Money for their support during 2023," said Space4Autism Chief Cheryl Simpson MBE.

"It is fantastic that local businesses reach out to the small and medium charities to help them financially. 

Space4Autism are located at 15-17 Mill Ln, Macclesfield SK11 7NN. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"Without this financial support we would not be able to deliver all our projects which helps out over 8000 of our members."

Darren Smith who has worked in financial and legal services for nearly 30 years before setting up Manuka Money with Carl and his wife Sammy.

"I cycled the Italian / Slovenian Alps for 5 days where I averaged about 100km per day, ascending about 2,000m each day. That is like cycling up Snowdon twice every day"

"We chose Space4Autism as Carl's eldest had benefited from their support, but it just so happened that one of the guys who went to the Alps with us had a son with Autism too."

Carl (left), Samantha Smith (centre), Darren (right) and office Labrador Willow (below). Dog cuddles are free with any in-person office enquiry! (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"What really surprised me is that you don't have to look very far to learn of children with some sort of difficulty. The team at Space4Sutism are just amazing, they put the kids first all the time."

"We would like to do something for charity again next year," revealed Sammy.

"On behalf of Manuka Money a massive, massive thank you to those who have supported the cause"

"It has not been easy and injuries to Darren and Carl part way though the year made it harder but we did it and we are so proud of each other."

Carl pictured outside Space4Autism earlier in the year. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Carl, Darren and Sammy went into business in late 2021 combining their talents to create a local business with decades of experience.

"We are building a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do. Providing a service that they can rely on. Our 5 star reviews show that we are on the right track"

Manuka Money is a regulated broker that provides Mortgage, Secured Loan and Insurance services. Manuka intends to expand its product portfolio in the future by offering unsecured loans and business funding.

The charity support is not the only reason for celebration as Manuka Money recently completed a rebrand from their old name Manuka Mortgages.

Carl (left), Darren (right) with Space4Autism's Cheryl Simpson MBE. (Image - Space4Autism / Manuka Money)

"We felt that Manuka Mortgages made us look like a one trick pony," explained Carl, "where in fact we offer a wide range of services to meet customer needs."

"It makes sense that our new name reflected the holistic way we support our customers.

"We also have a brand-new office in the grounds of Gawsworth Business Court too which is great if local customers want to meet us in person, grab a brew and discuss their requirements."

Macclesfield: You can call Manuka Money free today on 0800 640 6240 or visit their website.

They are open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm on a Saturday. (Image - Manuka Money)

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