Willerby and Swift join forces to raise over £5,000 for HEY Children’s University

Image credit: Youngsters enjoyed giving grown-ups a soaking in the stocks during the “Battle of the Holiday Homes” event in aid of HEY Children’s University. Picture: Shaun Flannery Photography.

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Willerby and Swift, two UK holiday home manufacturers, organised a charity sports day that raised over £5,000 for HEY Children’s University. The event, held at Hymers College in Hull, featured games and activities for employees and their families, with funds supporting educational opportunities for children in Hull and East Yorkshire. The day was supported by 16 sponsoring businesses and highlighted community spirit and collaboration between the two companies.

Press Release

HULL, UK - July 21, 2026

Two of the UK’s leading holiday home manufacturers, Willerby and Swift, have come together for a charity sports day that raised over £5,000 for Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Children’s University.

The “Battle of the Holiday Homes” event took place at Hymers College in Hull, bringing together employees and their families for a sports day-inspired celebration filled with games, entertainment and fundraising activities.

The collaborative event was organised to raise vital funds for HEY Children’s University, a charity that both companies proudly support. Families gave a small entry donation and were able to enjoy all the activities on offer at no extra cost.

The sunny weather set the scene for traditional sports favourites, including tug of war and bean bag toss, alongside face painting and arts and crafts.

The headline attraction was a competitive five-a-side football match, where the friendly rivalry between Willerby and Swift took centre stage.

Throughout the day, guests earned points for their company by taking part in games and challenges, with Swift ultimately crowned the overall sports day champion.

The event was made possible thanks to the support of 16 sponsoring businesses, including main sponsors Columbus and Leisure Furnishings, whose backing helped create a memorable day for hundreds of families.

As well as bringing colleagues together outside the workplace, the event raised over £5,000 for HEY Children’s University, helping the charity continue its work inspiring children and young people across Hull and East Yorkshire.

Susan Pender, Director of People at Hull-based Willerby, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be a continued supporter of HEY Children’s University and this event was a great example of the amazing things that can happen when people come together.

“This sports day showcased the fantastic community spirit across both businesses and we would like to thank everyone who gave their time, energy and support to make the day such a memorable success.”

Katy Rhoades, Health and Wellbeing Advisor at Swift, which is based in Cottingham, East Yorkshire, said: “It was fantastic to work alongside Willerby to deliver such a fun and meaningful event for our colleagues and their families.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was incredible and it was wonderful to see so many people coming together to support a cause that means so much to both of our organisations.”

Alisa Tomlinson, Community and Events Fundraiser at HEY Children’s University, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible. From the employees and volunteers to the sponsors, stallholders and entertainment providers, so many people generously gave their time, expertise and support to maximise the funds raised.

“Every pound donated helps us provide children and young people across Hull and East Yorkshire with inspiring learning opportunities beyond the classroom, giving them the confidence to discover new interests, develop new skills and broaden their horizons.”

Notes to editors

Notes to Editors Willerby
  • Willerby Ltd is the UK’s holiday home market leader, with an unrivalled reputation for superior quality, industry-leading design, technological innovation, breadth of product range and exceptional customer care.
  • Based in Hull, the company is Britain’s largest manufacturer of holiday homes and lodges that make dreams of owning a beautiful, stylish home from home come true.
  • In 2026 Willerby is celebrating its 80th anniversary, with a proud record of operating continuously as a business throughout its history. The business was founded in 1946 when Walter Allan, a resident of Willerby, on the outskirts of Hull, decided to switch from making beehives to building touring caravans for the growing post-war holiday park industry.
  • Willerby is majority owned by independent investment house Equistone Partners Europe, with a minority stake held by the management team. Equistone operates in the UK and Europe, investing as a strategic partner alongside management teams. Equistone invests in strong businesses with the potential to grow, supported by Equistone’s capital and guided by its investment experience.
  • For more information on Willerby and its holiday homes, lodges and residential park homes, visit willerby.com
Swift
  • Swift Group is the UK’s leading manufacturer of leisure vehicles, designing and manufacturing award-winning touring caravans, motorhomes, campervans and holiday homes from its headquarters in Cottingham, East Yorkshire. The company has built a reputation for quality, innovation and British craftsmanship over more than 60 years.
  • Founded in 1964 by Ken Smith, Swift Group has grown from producing its first touring caravan in Hull to become the UK’s number one leisure vehicle brand.
  • Innovation is at the heart of Swift Group’s success, with continual investment in research, SMART construction technology, manufacturing excellence and sustainable practices to deliver high-quality leisure vehicles that are built to last.
  • Today, Swift Group manufactures its products at its state-of-the-art facilities in East Yorkshire and supports customers through one of the UK’s largest dealer and park networks, backed by comprehensive warranties, aftersales support and the Swift Academy training programme.
  • For more information on Swift Group and its range of caravans, motorhomes, campervans and holiday homes, visit swiftgroup.co.uk

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