The Guild of Patrons, which will help the hospice care for twice as many people by 2012, can now count high profile Yorkshire businessmen Richard Jackson and Tony Bramall among its members.

Richard Jackson and Tony Bramall, whose membership is through their respective charitable trusts, join the ten founding Patrons who signed up to support this exclusive business opportunity at its launch in May.

The founding Patrons are: Advanced Health Chiropractic, Harrogate Advertiser, Interim Partners, Joe Manby Ltd, The Mike Heelan Practice, PeopleCo, The PPR Foundation, Procter and Gamble, Rudding Park, and Sign-a-rama.

Richard Jackson MBE DL, Non Executive Chairman Nidd Vale Group Limited, said: "I have always supported Saint Michael's through various events and donations but joining the Guild of Patrons offers me a more formal way of supporting the hospice and an opportunity to drive forward their five year strategy of service expansion and development"

Tony Bramall, non-executive director of Lookers plc. said: "A scheme like the Guild of Patrons is an ideal vehicle for the corporate sector to support such a vital community resource, ensuring the hospice's services continue to be provided to those in need both now and in the future".

By becoming a member of the Guild of Patrons businesses have an
exclusive opportunity to demonstrate corporate social responsibility while also enhancing marketing, communications and company profile and building staff motivation.

Tony Collins, Chief Executive of Saint Michael's, said: "Our Guild of Patrons gives businesses a unique opportunity to make a positive commitment to the work of Saint Michael's.

"By supporting our five year strategy they are placing their commercial interests alongside ours for mutual benefit."

Businesses interested in joining the Guild should contact Business Development Manager, Christine Norton on (01423) 879 687.