Saving lives one step at a time
In July we launched The Sapphire Foundation, giving our employees the chance to put forward a charity of their choice for us to support. We have had an overwhelming number of nominations and we are very proud to have donated and fundraised for six charities since our launch. These range from supporting local schools, hospices, cancer treatments, homeless charities and more.
Darren Haslam our Technical Project Manager founded Jeffrey’s Biker Journey, a UK wide charity motorbike ride to raise funds and support for a 5 year old Accrington boy, diagnosed with Battens Disease.
Last year he raised £11,000 and this year he aims to raise £20,000, and involve up to 20 families UK wide, who are suffering with Battens Disease.
St Catherine’s Hospice supports local people affected by life-shortening conditions to have a better quality of life, to the end of their life. Our HR Advisor Alison Nicholls has supported them previously by doing a sponsored skydive and her mum used to be a volunteer. Alison’s dad also spent time there when suffering from lung cancer, offering respite to Alison’s mum who was his full time carer.
Gary Richardson our DNM Operative nominated Sands Stillbirth and neonatal death charity who support anyone affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby.
Gary’s family fundraise for this charity whenever possible due to going through similar struggles.
Yasmin Patel nominated Kennington Primary School and Nursery based in Preston. Being heavily involved in the PTA and organising events, Yasmin suggested we purchase supplies for the school to help improve equipment, as well as to support the school summer fair offering refreshments and giving educational talks on our equipment.
Steph Cramer our Procurement Administrator nominated Women’s Housing Action Group (WHAG), a charity that was founded in 1981 to offer housing and support to vulnerable homeless women.
Steph’s daughter recently started working for this charity who are based in Rochdale.
Ian Harvey nominated Elliott’s Go Fund Me page. Elliott’s dad is friends with Ian and hopes to raise £150,000 to treat his Metastatic Melanoma as the NHS declined funding for his treatment. Normal treatments were deemed too risky due to his existing conditions, so the NHS have tried immune therapy for 12 months, however it has been unsuccessful and this is his last chance to survive this terrible disease.
