Spencer Group raises thousands for Teenage Cancer Trust
FUNDRAISERS: Spencer Group’s “charity champions”
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Engineering specialist Spencer Group has already raised thousands of pounds for its 2024 charity of the year, Teenage Cancer Trust.
Spencer Group employees have raised more than half of the company’s £5,000 target in just three months.
Fundraising efforts this year have been accelerated by the introduction of dedicated volunteer “charity champions” across the Hull-based business, who have responsibility for generating ideas and organising new activities and events.
Spencer Group employs more than 400 people across the business and asks staff each year to nominate a national charity to be its designated charity of the year.
Nominations are narrowed down to a shortlist by the board of directors, with colleagues then voting for the winner.
Teenage Cancer Trust, which offers specialist care and support for young sufferers of cancer and their loved ones, was nominated by a staff member who witnessed first-hand the care it provided for his friend’s son.
This included care at its dedicated wards at Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham.
Yvonne Moir, HR director at Spencer Group, said: “It’s really important for us, as a business, to engage with the communities where we work and to raise money for good causes that are important to our staff.
SUPPORT: Heather Bowen, senior relationship manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, talking to staff at Spencer Group
“We always try to have a positive impact, and its gives colleagues the opportunity to give something back, whilst having a bit of fun at the same time.
“Teenage Cancer Trust does incredible work, and the team have done a wonderful job so far to raise so much money for this important charity. This is just the start; however, and we have so much more planned.”
Fundraising activities and events held this year that have already helped raise more than £3,000 include bake sales and an Easter raffle.
Spencer Group will be holding sponsored walks, a darts tournament, pub quiz night, ale trail and Wimbledon-themed table tennis competition throughout the year. Staff are also taking part in a “Total Warrior” obstacle course to raise money.
In addition, watercolour paintings by talented artist Lucy Grierson, Spencer Group’s systems director, will be presented in a gallery and auctioned off.
Yvonne said: “The introduction of our charity champions has given our fundraising efforts new impetus.
“The champions include representatives from all levels right across the business, and meet monthly to come up with fresh ideas.
“We’ve already seen the positive impact this has had.”
‘ENJOYING RAISING FUNDS’: Emily Marshall, administrative assistant at Spencer Group
Spencer Group had a series of launch events at its Humber Quays headquarters, close to Hull Marina, to introduce staff to Teenage Cancer Trust.
Heather Bowen, senior relationship manager at the charity, delivered a series of talks to explain what it does to support teenagers diagnosed with cancer, their family and friends. Staff working on sites across the UK were able also to access the talks via video link.
Spencer Group has now arranged for Heather to visit Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) to speak to students. The business is a Founding Partner of the school, from which it has recruited 50 apprentices in just five years.
Heather said: “With a unanimous staff vote for Teenage Cancer Trust to be their charity of the year, what a wonderful opportunity it is with Spencer Group to not only raise funding but also to help educate young people on the signs of cancer in their age group.
“The energy and the warmth on each visit to their offices has been incredibly heartening. This is a team of committed people who really want to make a huge difference for young people once they are diagnosed with cancer.
“It's going to be a year of fun, challenges and adventure as everyone comes together to support Teenage Cancer Trust and our work with young people. Thank you so much to Spencer Group.”
Charity Champion Emily Marshall, administrative assistant at Spencer Group, said: “I’m really enjoying helping raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. The people affected are a similar age to me, so it’s given me a different perspective on life.
“It’s been great to meet Heather and hear about the work they do to support not only the teenagers, but their families as well. Since the symptoms are not always obvious, knowing more about the charity's work and the symptoms to watch out for has helped us raise awareness.”
Spencer Group’s regular charity fundraising contributed to it being named the Best Place to Work at the 10th annual HullBID Awards earlier this year.