TWENTY-FIVE charities were treated to an afternoon tea to mark the King’s Coronation - but also received a surprise £1,000 donation for attending. 

Health solutions provider Simplyhealth made its Coronation Big Lunch event even more special as it donated £25,000 to its chosen Hampshire charities.

This brings its total donated to the charities to £500,000 over the last three years.

The event was organised to mark the historic moment of the King’s Coronation and celebrate the hard work and service each charity provides to the local area.

On the day, Friday, May 5, acting CEO at Simplyhealth, Nick Potter, surprised the charities by announcing the further donation, raising a cheer and a round of applause. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Simplyhealth's Coronation Big Lunch at Kimbridge Barn

He said: “Simplyhealth is a purpose-led company, created for the good of society and it has been wonderful to come together with so many incredible charities to celebrate the work they do in the local area.

"This weekend is a significant moment in our history and the Coronation Big Lunch was the perfect opportunity for us to come together with our charity partners and honour the amazing work they deliver.

“Our commitment to a healthy world has been our driving force for the last 150 years. As we enter into the next chapter of our nation’s history we are even more committed to our purpose and supporting incredible causes to help those most at need.”

Hosted at the Kimbridge Barn in Romsey, guests were treated to live music and an afternoon tea.

The event, which is part of the Eden Project’s Big Coronation Lunch, is one of the official celebrations taking place over the Coronation weekend, bringing together neighbours and communities to share friendship, food and fun.

Hampshire Chronicle: Simplyhealth's Coronation Big Lunch at Kimbridge Barn

Charities in attendance were; Action Andover, Andover MIND, Andover Trees United, Countess of Brecknock Hospice, Winchester GoLD, Trinity Winchester, Sport in Mind, Brendoncare, Boaz Project, Priors Court, Purple Oak Support, Macular Society, Dentaid, Unity, Lighthouse, St Mary’s, Naomi House & Jackspace Hospices, SERV Wessex, Andover Young Carers, Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, Hampshire Fostering Network and Valley Leisure.

Established in 1872, Simplyhealth is a health solutions business that has built a solid reputation and dedicated community, offering affordable personal and corporate health plans. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Simplyhealth's Coronation Big Lunch at Kimbridge Barn