Category Archives: Charity Events

Business, Cardiff, Charity, Charity Events, Healthcare, South Wales, Wales

Leaders and legends lunch to connect charity with business community

City Hospice has announced that its inaugural Chair’s Lunch will take place on 18 October at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

Established in 1984, the charity is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

The exclusive ‘Leaders & Legends’ event, organised by the charity’s Chair Michael Baker and sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, will provide the south Wales business community with an opportunity to engage and celebrate with the charity in its 40th anniversary year and hear unique leadership insights from two of Wales’ most influential sporting figures.

Interviewed by Deborah Thomas, special guests Nigel Walker OBE and Sam Warburton OBE will share their experiences and thoughts on leadership on and off the rugby field.

The event will support City Hospice, the only provider of community specialist palliative care for patients in Cardiff with terminal or life limiting illnesses. The charity provides care and a range of services including welfare advice and complementary therapies for patients, as well as bereavement support and counselling for the families of its patients.

Michael Baker, Chair of City Hospice, said: “As the Chair of the board of trustees, I wanted to showcase and share the incredible work of City Hospice with the local business community in this special anniversary year.

“With my experience in consultancy focusing on management and leadership, the event just had to be with leaders and legends! It is the perfect opportunity to highlight the charity’s fantastic work. I am extremely grateful to Deborah, Nigel and Sam for being a part of our first Chair’s Lunch and hope guests gain inspiration from their leadership journeys.”

Deborah Thomas said: “Having been personally touched by City Hospice’s care and compassion, the Chair’s Lunch provides me with a chance to give back in a very special way. I am excited to interview Nigel and Sam and learn more about their perspectives on leadership.”

Nigel Walker OBE, WRU Executive Director of Rugby and City Hospice Ambassador, said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this exclusive business event in the charity’s ruby anniversary year. As well as hearing from Sam and I on leadership, I hope that businesses grasp this opportunity to engage with and learn more about the brilliant care and services City Hospice provides.”

For further information including booking details, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/upcoming-events/chairmans-lunch-leaders-legends/

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, Business, Charity, Charity Events, Newport, Tax

Kilsby Williams announces charity of the year

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has announced that it will be supporting Calon Hearts as its charity of the year.

Calon Hearts is a Cardiff-based charity which promotes heart health in Wales and across the UK.

Less than one in ten people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest but survival rates can be increased significantly if a defibrillator is used and CPR is performed. The charity’s mission includes teaching valuable CPR and first aid skills, and ensuring communities have access to defibrillators and are trained in how to use them.

Calon Hearts also provides free heart screenings for people aged between 16 and 25 to detect life-threatening heart conditions that often go undetected.

To kickstart their fundraising efforts, a team of around 20 from the firm has signed up to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on 6 October.

Dafydd Ford, partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “We are pleased to share that we will be supporting Calon Hearts over the next year, raising awareness of heart health and funds to support their vital work. This is a cause we are passionate about as we sadly lost our colleague Rob Harding earlier this year and we want to make a difference in his memory.

“We’ll be beginning our fundraising challenges with the Cardiff Half Marathon. A half marathon is no mean feat; the team is training hard to pound the streets of Cardiff and do Rob and his family proud.”

Sharon Owen, founder of Calon Hearts, said: “We are delighted that Newport-based accountants, Kilsby Williams, has chosen Calon Hearts as its charity of the year and are greatly appreciative of this support.

“Calon Hearts has worked tirelessly since the charity was founded over 11 years ago to raise awareness of the vital importance of heart health and, to date, has installed over 30,400 defibrillators, provided CPR training to over 99,900 people and screened over 17,000 hearts for potentially life-threatening conditions.

“Calon Hearts would like to wish the Kilsby Williams team the best of luck in the Cardiff Half Marathon, which will launch their fundraising challenges in memory of their colleague.”

Business, Charity Events, Charity News, South Wales

Consumer Energy Solutions kick off fundraising for Crisis

Leading energy efficiency company Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) has raised money for their charity of the year, Crisis, by taking part in the Swansea beach rugby tournament, Beach Rugby Wales.

The tournament, founded in 2006, sees a host of ex-international rugby stars taking part alongside newbies to the sport. 48 teams took part in this year’s event, sponsored by Nathaniel Cars MG.

Swansea-based CES fielded a team in the annual tournament which took place last month, led by Scott Barclay and Kyle Fisher, raising over £500 for Crisis.

Crisis is a national charity that helps people directly out of homelessness and campaigns for the changes needed to end homelessness altogether.

The Skylight, located on St Helen’s Road, Swansea, is one of 9 run by Crisis across the UK. The Skylight team support people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot to end their homelessness through providing advice, support and learning opportunities.

CES, which has permanent bases across Wales and the South West and has a workforce of more than 800 people, supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills.

Gemma Morris, Operations Manager at Crisis Skylight South Wales, said: “I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to CES for their ongoing support over the years, and for this donation in particular. A big thanks to Scott and Kyle for thinking of us when entering the tournament, and a big congratulations to them.”

Scott Barclay, Technical Surveyor Coordinator, Insulation Department at CES, said: “We’re so pleased to have raised so much for our chosen charity Crisis, all whilst having fun in the sun in Swansea Bay. The annual tournament is a great day out and to have raised much needed funds for such an important charity as Crisis is a great feeling. We hope to do the same again next year.”

Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West. CES is an approved installer of Government backed scheme ECO4.

For more information, visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/

Business, Charity Events, Charity News

Charity Cath raises thousands for cancer

Swansea’s Catherine Robinson, account executive at Howden’s south Wales office, has raised £4,833 for multiple cancer care charities since April 2023.

Starting with the London Marathon in 2023, Catherine raised £3,453 for Young Lives vs Cancer. The following year, she ran the 2024 Edinburgh Marathon for the same charity, raising £1,130 and additionally raised £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support through taking part in its Marathon Hike in July of this year.

Catherine will be running the London Marathon once again to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer in April 2025.

On why fundraising for these charities is so important to her, Catherine said: “I am in true amazement of Young Lives vs Cancer and their work. When completing the London Marathon in 2023, I was greeted by an inspiring young volunteer who had a terminal brain tumour, and this was the moment I knew I had to help the charity as much as I could. The charity has given me so much support both in mindset of running 26.2 miles and raising the funds.

“My fundraising for Macmillan was more of a personal story. My mam beat cancer in 2021 under the support of Macmillan, but we sadly then lost my stepdad suddenly to cancer in June 2023. So, when my friend asked me to do the marathon hike this year which fell on my stepdad’s birthday, I knew I couldn’t say no. While this was emotional to complete on such an important date, it was an honour to give something back to the charity and play a part in helping those who need it in the future.

Catherine’s boss Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director at Howden Wales, said: “We are incredibly proud and in awe of Catherine and everything she has managed to do for these charities. We support her every step of the way and strongly encourage anyone who can to donate via her Enthuse page. We wish her all the best with London 2025.”

You can support Catherine’s fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer here.

Charity & CSR, Charity Events, News

Berks and Bucks businesses unite to raise over £10,000 for Myocarditis UK

Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, Thursday, 13th June 2023: – Over 100 local business people readied their oars at the annual Jansons Rowing Cup with the aim to raise vital funds for Myocarditis UK – a charity dedicated to researching the causes, prevention, and cures of this life-threatening heart condition recently highlighted in EastEnders.

Berkeley Group beat the competition to secure first place with IHG Hotels following close behind. The sold-out event took place on Wednesday, 12th June 2024 at Dorney Lake in Berkshire. Andy Jansons, Managing Director of Jansons Property and Co-founder of Myocarditis UK said: “This has been our finest event yet! Congratulations to this year’s winners Berkeley Group! And a big thank you to all those who took part and helped make the day a huge success.

“Each year we aim to blend the best of fundraising with business networking to create a memorable day, which fundamentally makes a difference to the charity and has an impact for local business. Whether that’s landing a deal or creating a new partnership, the aim of the day is to unite local businesses under a common cause.”

Tickets for this year’s event sold-out in advance. The funds from the annual event play a vital role in funding the charity’s research. From today’s event the charity will have raised enough money to screen an entire cohort of patients including advanced heart imaging to further research and understanding of the relationship between genetics and myocarditis

With 13 teams of rowers taking part, only one could be crowned the winner, with Berkeley Group taking the crown. The team securing last place is historically awarded with the Crab Oar, this year it was Big Gun Digital. The Jansons Cup begins with heats followed by semi-finals and lastly the A and B finals to choose the winning teams. Guests arrived at 12:15pm, with the rowing commencing at 1:15pm and then concluding with a short awards ceremony along with a BBQ in the clubhouse to celebrate the day.

This year’s entrants are from a variety of local and regional businesses including:

  • Berkeley Group Plc
  • Big Gun Digital
  • Blaser Mills Law (2023 winners)
  • DAY Architecture
  • Flourish PR & i-Transport
  • Forsters
  • Haslams Chartered Surveyors
  • IHG
  • Lichfields UK & Evoke
  • RGP
  • Savills Hotels
  • Big Gun Digital
  • Walsingham Planning

 

Steve O’Brien, Land Director at Berkely Group Plc, added; “It was a fantastic day and one of the most enjoyable events, and all for a really good cause. Thank you to everyone who helped co-ordinate the event bringing everyone together, and to all our fellow participants.”

All funds raised on the day are donated to Myocarditis UK – to donate and to find out more about Myocarditis UK, please visit www.myocarditisuk.com where you can also discover the full events list for 2024.

Cancer, Charity Events, Charity News, Events, FInance

Maggie’s and Swansea Building Society Host 5th Anniversary Celebration for Cancer Support in Cardiff

Maggie’s Cancer Charity and Swansea Building Society are collaborating to host a memorable event commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Maggie’s Centre opening in Cardiff. The exciting 5th Birthday Ball will be held on May 17th at Dyffryn Springs near Wenvoe, bringing together supporters and beneficiaries for an evening of reflection and hope.

Swansea Building Society has pledged its support as the event sponsor, continuing its steadfast commitment to Maggie’s as its official charity for the third consecutive year.

Since its inception, Maggie’s Cardiff has provided invaluable support to over a thousand visitors each month, offering practical, emotional, and social assistance to individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer.

The centre, situated in Velindre Road, Whitchurch, works in harmony with conventional cancer therapies, offering a nurturing environment where visitors can access support, information, and practical advice. From financial and benefits guidance to complementary therapies and nutrition workshops, Maggie’s Cardiff plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

Supporting the charity over recent years, Swansea Building Society has organised a diverse range of successful fundraising activities, including dress-down days, raffles, and sponsored events like dog walks and open water swimming. These initiatives have resulted in an impressive cumulative fundraising total exceeding £60,000, providing vital resources to empower Maggie’s in delivering its essential services.

Richard Miles, Area Manager / Head of Savings & Marketing, Swansea Building Society, said:

“As proud sponsors of Maggie’s for the third consecutive year, Swansea Building Society is honoured to support such a vital cause. Our ongoing commitment to Maggie’s reflects our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. We are delighted to be part of the 5th Birthday Ball celebration and look forward to continuing our partnership with Maggie’s to ensure their important work can thrive for years to come.”

Rachael Davies, Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s, added:

“We’re incredibly grateful that Swansea Building Society has sponsored our 5th Birthday Ball. Sponsorship of our events is so important, and we can’t thank everyone at Swansea Building Society enough.”

Awards, Charity, Charity Events, Events

Swansea Building Society Supports Child of Wales Awards as Community Champion Award Sponsor

The Child of Wales Awards 2024 has announced Swansea Building Society as the official sponsor of its prestigious Community Champion Award, reaffirming the society’s strong commitment to recognising and celebrating individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities.

Scheduled to take place at Swansea Arena on September 27, 2024, the Child of Wales Awards is entering its third year. This event is anticipated to be an emotional, inspirational, and unforgettable affair for all attendees, attracting media personalities, celebrities, sports stars, and international entertainers.

The event will honour and celebrate the achievements of remarkable children and young people across Wales, while raising vital funds for charities dedicated to supporting children across the nation. The Community Champion Award specifically acknowledges individuals whose selfless efforts have made a significant difference in their communities.

Swansea Building Society is an organisation renowned for its own commitment to helping organisations within the local community. Marking its centenary last year, the Society donated well over £100,000 to a variety of community-based charities and organisations as part of its celebrations.

As the Community Champion Award sponsor, Swansea Building Society will play a pivotal role in spotlighting the invaluable contributions of young community heroes throughout Wales, highlighting the importance of recognising and nurturing the efforts of those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others.

Nominations are now officially open for this year’s highly anticipated event, and the Awards, in partnership with Swansea Building Society, has invited nominations for the Community Champion Award, encouraging individuals to share stories of unsung heroes whose dedication and compassion enrich the lives of those around them.

Visit www.nationalchildrenofwalesawards.org/nomiante-now to view the categories and nominate a remarkable child. Nominations will remain open until June 10, 2024, and judging will begin shortly after. A mixture of representatives from the award sponsors, celebrities, and independent advisors will form the panel that will have to make the difficult decision to pick a winner for each category.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are honoured to support the Child of Wales Awards and sponsor the Community Champion Award. At Swansea Building Society, we believe in the power of community and the remarkable potential of individuals to create positive change. We look forward to celebrating the incredible achievements of young community champions and inspiring others to follow their lead.”

Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, added:

“We are thrilled to have Swansea Building Society onboard as the sponsor for our Community Champion Award. The Society’s dedication to supporting local communities aligns perfectly with the spirit of this award, and we are excited to work together to highlight the inspiring stories of individuals who are making a positive impact.”

Charity & CSR, Charity Events, News, North of England

Heart patient marks milestone with fundraising half marathon

JUST 12 months after heart surgery, Simon Finlay has marked the milestone by running a half marathon in aid of the hospital that saved his life.

It was during screening for a hereditary heart condition his dad has that Simon was diagnosed with a bicuspid valve. Unbeknown to him he’d had the congenital heart defect from birth. Further tests then revealed he also had an aortic aneurysm.

“My jaw hit the table,” Simon said as he recalled the second diagnosis.

Over the course of 18 months the aneurysm grew, and surgical intervention was required.

Simon, development director at Castle Green Homes, said. “I’d thought the bicuspid valve wouldn’t need surgery until I was in my 60s, so when I went for a CT scan and they showed me what the aneurysm looked like and how much it had grown it was a shock.  I understood that I couldn’t live without surgery and that I was in the best hands with Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.”

Simon underwent major heart surgery in March last year at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, days before his 46th birthday. Complications during his recovery meant he was readmitted and underwent further surgery to remove a build up of fluid around his heart.

“I felt like I was back at square one, but in the weeks that followed I picked up and was getting stronger and walking more,” he said.

He returned to work just 13 weeks post-surgery. Soon after, Simon decided he’d run the Liverpool Half Marathon in aid of the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital on March 17 – his 47th birthday.

By October he’d managed to complete a run 5km without walking.

“Coming from a construction background where we work collaboratively as a team, it was interesting to see the different job roles in the hospital coming together to care for me and the other patients,” Simon, from Meols, Wirral, explained.

“It’s because of what I have been through, the time I have spent at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, experiencing firsthand the miraculous work they do and feeling the love and support from all parts of that amazing hospital that I decided to raise money for the charity,”.

With the support of Castle Green, family and friends, Simon has raised well over his £1,000 target, with more than £3,700 donated to date.

He was joined in the Liverpool Half Marathon by Castle Green colleagues Sam Payne, Sean McBride, Phoebe Hughes and Paul Winrow.

“Castle Green Homes have been fantastic through all aspects of my surgery and recovery, no more so than [chief executive] Gwyn Jones,” Simon added. “Not only was he understanding and empathetic about my situation when I was diagnosed, he also gave me the time I needed to recover with no pressure. When I saw that Castle Green had doubled the funds raised on the Friday before the run with a donation of £1,500 I couldn’t believe it. I was totally blown away!”

Simon completed the Liverpool Half Marathon in 2:13:19. He is already working on bringing his time down ahead of the Chester Half Marathon in May.

Simon said he’d always been a runner but had struggled with a knee injury in recent years.

“I’m fitter now and running better 5km times than I was prior to my surgery, which is purely down to the amount of running I am doing as opposed to the surgery itself,” he said.

Castle Green chief executive Gwyn Jones said: “Simon is a valued member of the team and has shown the same strength of character and determination in handling his health issues as he does in overcoming challenges at work. We were pleased to be able to support his return to work and his fundraising. It’s great to see so many colleagues and contacts have also supported his fundraising.”

To support Simon’s fundraising go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/simon-finlay-1708724419345.

 

Business News, Charity Events

Blue Self Storage Raises £20,000 For Prostate Cancer Charity

LEADING container storage provider blue self storage has raised £20,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, continuing its legacy of supporting charities and the local community.

The landmark has been reached as the firm celebrates the recent opening of its Bridgend operation, and is finalising plans to open a facility at Gloucester.

Dean Daly, Operations Director at blue self storage, said: “Prostate cancer is a huge health concern affecting many men locally and nationally, and we really want to play our part in combating this disease. We feel companies like ours have a duty to support local communities and this is one way that we can do that.

“We believe in the power of giving back, and our commitment to supporting prostate cancer awareness and research reflects our core values.

“Our sadly departed founder Nick Williams established our tradition of supporting causes that will have a meaningful impact on the community. It is an honour to continue his legacy of philanthropy.”

Originally Cardiff Self Storage, the company was founded in 1988 and has been recognised for its ethos to give back to the community that has supported its growth and success. Now, under the new name of blue self storage, the ethos remains as prominent as ever.

In addition to its ongoing efforts for Prostate Cancer UK, blue self storage is committed to supporting a wide range of charities, such as Cerebral Palsy Cymru and City Hospice, and various other local community groups.

blue self storage was the winner of the UK Container Site of the Year 2023, and provides secure self storage facilities at four sites in Cardiff, Bridgend and Tyneside.

Business, Charity Events, Charity News, Events, News from Wales, South Wales, Swansea

Howden official Swansea office opening flanked by rugby star

The official opening of a new Howden office in Swansea was flanked by Welsh rugby legend Tom Shanklin at an event last week, Thursday February 22. 

Howden, the international insurance intermediary group, began trading from the new office in Axis Court, Riverside Business Park, Swansea, last month, with this event marking the official opening of the new location. The office has already welcomed 14 skilled brokers since the beginning of the year, with plans to recruit more talent in the coming months.  

The official opening event saw Tom, who won 70 caps for Wales between 2001 – 2010, share his experiences with Welsh rugby and the British & Irish Lions—an association that aligns with Howden’s headline sponsorship for the upcoming Lion’s tour. 

Guests at the opening event also participated in a raffle in aid of Wales Air Ambulance Charity, with prizes including 4-ball at the Celtic Manor, a £250 Gaucho voucher, and a Fortnum and Mason hamper.  

The creation of an office in Swansea is part of Howden UK & Ireland’s commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the South and West Wales region, providing risk advisory services to businesses. 

On the event, Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, said: “Embracing the spirit of Welsh resilience and teamwork, the official opening of our Swansea office alongside rugby icon Tom Shanklin signifies not only our commitment to the region but also our shared values of excellence and community. Just as in rugby, where teamwork and strategy are paramount, at Howden, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to navigate risks and achieve success together. 

“The swift momentum of our Swansea office speaks volumes, and we’re thrilled to have assembled such a skilled and seasoned team, with more to join in the coming months.” 

 

About Howden  

Howden is a leading global insurance intermediary group with employee ownership at its heart.  Founded in 1994, it operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, employing 16,000 people and handling $38bn of premium on behalf of clients. 

  

For more information, please visit www.howdengroupholdings.com