Colleagues from Wales & West Utilities are celebrating after raising £65,000 for worthwhile charities – with over £22,000 provided in match-funding from their kind-hearted employer.
The money, which was raised throughout last year, has involved colleagues participating in various events, from running marathons, skydiving from 10,000 feet and hosting darts nights. The money has been raised by 96 staff who have worked tirelessly to carry out charitable fundraising efforts in a bid to raise vital funds for charities close to their own hearts.
Charities to benefit from the fundraising include Velindre Cancer Support, Mind, Ty Hafan, Diabetes UK, St David’s Hospice Care and the Ayla Mae – Three Steps Forward charity, amongst others.
Bethan Spencer, a Planner for Wales & West Utilities gas pipe investment work in south Wales, ran the Cardiff Half Marathon with her husband James. She supported Velindre Cancer Centre and raised more than a thousand pounds. She said:
“Velindre Cancer Centre is a cause very close to my heart. Raising money for them to work on a cure for this terrible illness was the best thing about taking part – and it’s great that Wales & West Utilities could support me.
“The support along the route was amazing. It really made me feel it was all worthwhile and helped me get over the line.”
Senior Operational Manager for North Wales Steve Watts organised the Flintshire Vintage and Classical Tractor Society annual run – with more than 80 tractors taking part in a 25 mile route to raise money for various local charities.
“I have chaired and led this event now for over 10 years, and during that time we have raised over £45,000 for our chosen charities throughout north Wales. The support from the public this year was brilliant, and we managed to collect more than £990 on the day.
“It’s amazing that our company are able to support our efforts as they do each year.”
Network Services Technician Ed Carrington – part of the team that maintains the control system of the gas network said:
“I raised money for Bristol Children’s Hospital in memory of my sister. The hospital does such an important job keeping poorly children and their families comfortable during difficult times. I’ve raised £1,500 so far and it’s great that the company could support me as they did.
“Knowing first-hand what a fantastic job the team at the hospital do made all the blisters worthwhile!”
Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, added:
“This last year has been our most successful year for match-funding our colleagues fundraising efforts. We are committed to supporting the charitable work of our team and they are all doing a fantastic job in raising money to help a host of charities across the country that are obviously so close to our colleagues hearts.
“Our match-funding contribution seeks to make the money raised go further and we hope that 2017 will be an even bigger and better year!”
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.