Charity Walk raises thousands for Maggie’s Newcastle
Staff from Prosper and JTC Furniture have more than doubled their original fundraising target after raising £6,245 for Maggie’s Newcastle.
They organised a 13-mile charity walk on Tuesday 28 April, setting off from Bamburgh Castle, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Northumberland coastline and completing their challenge at Dunstanburgh Castle.
In total, 26 people took on the challenge including colleagues from other partner organisations including believe housing, 0800 Repair, RE:GEN North East and North Yorkshire Council.
The original aim was to raise £3,000 for the charity, which provides vital support for individuals living with cancer and their families.
The charity was specifically chosen by colleagues from both Prosper and JTC Furniture whose family have been affected by cancer and have received support directly from the centre and wanted to give something back.
This year, the charity celebrates turning 30 years and has 27 centres across the UK and overseas and hopes to have 30 centres by the end of the year. The Maggie’s Centre in Newcastle opened 13 years’ ago and receives visits from people with cancer and their families, where they can feel supported and safe when cancer has turned their lives upside down. It costs more than £750,000 each year to provide the vital support people need.
Maggie’s offers a range of psychological support, including one-to-one sessions, workshops and courses to manage stress. This support reduces anxiety and depression and empowers people to find ways to cope that work for them. Specialist benefits advisors are also available at each centre to offer free financial support to help people claim the support they are entitled.
Rebecca Griggs, Head of Procurement at Prosper, said: “It was such a great day and I am pleased we have been able to raise so much money for such a brilliant cause. Maggie’s Newcastle is very close to me and my family, so it’s even more fulfilling that I feel we are giving back to them.
“I was worried when we started in Bamburgh as the weather was wet and cold but it soon brightened up and by the time we arrived at Dunstanburgh, the sun was shining and it was lovely blue sky. We all ended up in Craster afterwards for a refreshing drink to celebrate our achievements. We chatted along the way and there is plenty of support to possibly organise another walk or charity event later in the year.”
Colin Tweddell, Executive Director – Social Housing at JTC, said: “Maggie’s is a charity that is very close to my heart, so being able to support the incredible work they do made this challenge particularly meaningful for me personally.
“What stood out most throughout the walk was the way everyone came together. Colleagues from JTC, the wider WFG team in Northern Ireland, partners and friends all supported one another from start to finish, and there was a real sense of togetherness across the day.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved, not just for completing the walk, but for helping raise such an important amount of money for a charity that provides vital support to people and families when they need it most.”
Karen Verrill, Centre Head at Maggie’s Newcastle, said: “We are overwhelmed by the incredible support from everyone involved in the Castle to Castle Walk. When the team first visited the centre, they set themselves the ambitious target of raising £3,000, enough to fund Maggie’s Newcastle for a day. To see them double that amount is truly inspiring, and their efforts will now fund two full days of support for people affected by cancer and those who love them. We are incredibly grateful to Prosper for organising the walk, and to everyone involved, for helping us continue to be here for people when they need us most.”