Two Forterra employees, both of whom have nephews with Cystic Fibrosis, have presented cheques to Northampton General Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust after leading the way in the company’s recent fundraising efforts.
Kelly Friel and Clare Hicks, both of whom work at our head office in Northampton, organised a bake sale, raffle and other fun activities on National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day earlier this year, raising a total of £3,667.20.
Kelly’s nine-year-old nephew, Aiden, and Clare’s baby nephew, Edward, each have the life shortening condition, so the two colleagues decided to join forces at work to help raise money for, and awareness of, the good work done by the Trust.
They presented a cheque for £3,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, plus a cheque for the remaining £667.20 to Northampton General Hospital, where Aiden and Edward are both treated, towards improving facilities, including a new air conditioning unit.
Kelly, 36, from Northampton, said, “Aiden always has a smile on his face, he’s such a happy little boy despite what he has to go through. When I found out Clare’s new nephew also has the condition, the two of us became determined to raise as much as we could at work for National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day.
“We wrote letters, put up posters, organised events, and encouraged everyone at work to come dressed in yellow – the charity’s colour – on the day, to raise a bit of money, and we’re just amazed by how much our friends and colleagues contributed – we’re so grateful. It’s brought us closer together and we’re really proud of what we’ve managed to achieve.”
Events organised by Kelly and Clare included a pub quiz at The Grange Inn on Grange Park in Northampton and a bowling night at Tenpin Northampton where family, friends and colleagues came along and showed their support. Both venues donated prizes and the use of their facilities.
Anita Betts, Cystic Fibrosis Nurse at Northampton General Hospital, said, “We’re very grateful to Kelly and Clare for their efforts, and to Forterra for their generous donation, which will be put towards our Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Ward and making patients’ time there more pleasant and comfortable.”
Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive of Forterra, said, “Kelly and Clare put in a great effort to encourage everyone at Forterra to do their bit and raise as much as they could for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and their hard work and dedication really paid off. I’m very proud that our company could raise so much towards helping those with this condition.”