intu Metrocentre creates a Heart of a Thousand Crystals with CHUF
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The North East’s top shopping centre is proving it’s ‘all heart,’ following the launch of a unique chandelier.
The Heart of A Thousand Crystals, created especially for the Platinum Mall at the intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, features hundreds of crystals made into one huge, glittering heart. And, along with being a major talking point for visitors to the centre following its unveiling, the chandelier is also helping to raise funds for CHUF (the Children’s Heart Unit Fund) at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. A thousand replica crystals have been created – each one individually boxed and numbered – and are now being sold for £20 each at customer service desks around the centre.
Karen Carr, regional marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “As part of the development of our new, aspirational Platinum Mall we wanted to engage with shoppers and give something back to them by way of thanks for their support over the years. The heart has given them the chance to own a piece of the centre and also help a worthwhile charity.”
All proceeds from the sale of the replica crystals will be used to support CHUF and its Home from Home appeal, which is raising £2m to set up a special unit at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, where the families of children being treated can stay, free of charge.
Lisa Sudin, whose son Jack has benefited from the work being done by CHUF, said: “The heart is something that’s going to stay in the centre forever and represents the children of the Freeman Hospital, past, present and future. M/f 2. “We have made a lot of friends through CHUF and this heart signifies to all the children that they are not on their own.”
Intu Metrocentre is hoping to contribute £20,000 to CHUF’s Home from Home appeal through sales of the replica crystals, with £16,000 already being raised, just a week after the crystals went on sale.
Ivan Hollingsworth, trustee, CHUF, said: “It’s so generous of intu Metrocentre not only to choose our charity but to give all the money raised through this initiative to us. “The heart will be a lasting legacy at the Centre, but more importantly will raise vital funds for the Freeman’s Home From Home transplant flat and I think everyone who has supported it should feel very proud.”
