AN ‘INCREDIBLE’ sum of money has been raised by colleagues in Coventry to help cancer patients throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.
Employees at Heart of England Co-op’s Coventry headquarters and food and funeral branches have raised £50,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a host of individual and group fundraising activities, including coffee mornings, car washes, cake sales, raffles and half marathons.
The company added £250 to the charity pot on behalf of anyone who raised more than that amount.
Sam Buxton, a commercial manager based at the Society’s head office in Foleshill, was one of several people who earned the bonus payment after bringing in £1,686 in sponsorship money after he ran 100 miles, cycled 50 miles and swam 25 miles in the space of a month.
Managers Susan Packer and Barinder Khera, who also work in the Coventry support centre, clocked up another £700 for Macmillan after jogging from Warwick to Kenilworth Castle.
Chief executive Steve Browne said he could not feel prouder of his colleagues.
He said: “It speaks volumes about the people who have rallied round to make a big difference in the area they live and work in. As well as the fundraising activities of our staff, I would like to thank our shoppers and members for putting their spare change into collecting tins across our stores.
“This is the highest amount raised for a charity partner since 2018 and it’s an extraordinary result.”
Mr Browne also revealed that the cause could not be closer to his heart as he lost his mother to cancer in January.
He added: “I know only too well how this disease affects people and their families. So, this fundraising success feels particularly poignant and personal to me.
“The charity carries out sterling work for individuals and families touched by cancer. I salute all the people who deliver the service, as well as those who give up their time to raise funds.”
Charity and community adviser Catherine Evans said it was wonderful to see how motivated her colleagues were to support the charity.
She said: “There were so many amazing individual and team efforts in our food stores. The funeral branches made £1,600 from hosting Macmillan coffee mornings. Other fundraisers included car washes, cake sales, raffles and half marathons.
“To raise so much money has given everyone a real buzz.”
The money was handed over to Macmillan representatives at a special presentation held at the Society’s Balsall Common food store.
Jessica Zaremba, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This amazing total means we can continue offering our essential services such as our Support Line offering emotional and practical support to those living with cancer. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed for their generosity, commitment, and support – you truly make a difference!”
