The collections have been part of the company’s calendar for the last four years, with staff and contractors raising money through dress down Fridays.
Russells Construction estimator, Aidan Bannon, called on his colleagues to support the charity after hearing about the work that CLIC Sargent Social Workers do in the local area.
Family friend, and one time service team member, Judy Stirton recommended CLIC Sargent and highlighted the work carried out by the service teams at both The Christie and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Aidan said: “When I found out about the incredible work that CLIC Sargent does in Manchester, I was really moved by how important the job they do is, so suggested we start the collections.
“It’s been a real success as everyone enjoys the dress down Fridays and gets involved, people have also started bringing in cakes and making a real event of it. It’s also helped raise awareness of the work CLIC Sargent is doing, and the huge need to support children across the North West.
“We are happy to continue with the collections and hopefully raise even more money next time for CLIC Sargent.”
CLIC Sargent Fundraising Manager Maria Healy came to meet Aidan and PA Liesel McQueen to express her thanks and congratulate the whole team on their amazing support. She said: “It is clear that this event has become a part of the Russells Construction calendar and the totals so far are fantastic.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their donations and support, without local companies like Russells Construction, we wouldn’t be able to provide assistance for children and families in the Manchester area. We really appreciate everything that our corporate fundraisers do to help would love to welcome other local businesses on board.”
Every day in the UK 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer. They will spend time in hospital and at follow up appointments, which often impacts their parents’ ability to work and can involve significant travel costs, adding financial worries to the emotional anxiety.
CLIC Sargent’s aim is to ease the burden of childhood cancer on children, young people and their families. It is the only charity offering all round clinical, practical and emotional support to 0-24 year olds from the moment of diagnosis. Support is tailored individual needs and involves provision of grants, accommodation, social support, play therapy, holiday services, advice and clinical care such as home visits.
In Manchester, CLIC Sargent has three social workers based at The Christie and three at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, who supported 600 children and young people during 2015. Of these, 148 were from Manchester, the rest travel from across the North West, North Wales, and the Isle of Man.
Maria added: “It costs us around £3750 to support a child. And we rely entirely on voluntary donations. So, thank you everyone at Russells for supporting CLIC Sargent.”
To find out how you can organise your own event for CLIC Sargent, please contact CLIC Sargent Fundraising Manager Maria Healy on 07500 961 049 or email: maria.healy@clicsargent.org.uk
