Over the years, the SJCC has raised many thousands for good causes and this year was a record-year with more than £6,000 raised for its chosen charity AMEND.
AMEND is a patient group set up as a registered charity in 2002. It aims to improve the wellbeing of everyone affected by multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) disorders and their associated endocrine tumours, through support and information as well as assisting in future MEN research.
In 2018, the Nick Fayers Amend Fund was set up to fundraise within the local community in his memory. Nick was Managing Director at Barnes Construction for 18 years before he passed away from MEN 1 in December 2017.
Volunteers
Led by a steering committee of willing volunteers comprising Nick’s family, his colleagues at Barnes and representatives from the local construction and property sector, a range of activities and events took place, raising a staggering £100,000 for this very small charity.
Eric Benton, committee Chair commented: “As well as the fund being boosted by generous personal donations at the beginning and numerous fundraising events organised by Barnes Construction throughout the year, our thanks go to MLM, KLH Architects, ECA, Castons, FBE and the Stowmarket Lions, as well as Concertus, Ipswich Interact and the SJCC; all who held events which raised thousands of pounds.
“We would also like to thank the individuals that took part in marathons, cycle rides, sky diving and the Orwell Challenge, and of course, the imaginatively named ‘Blue Piggy’ which became the campaign’s mascot and travelled around the county attracting donations.”
Gala dinner
The year culminated with a gala dinner held in January where the grand total of £100k raised was announced.
Jo Grey is CEO of AMEND and attended the SJCC supper this year as the guest of the chairman, Darren Webb. She commented: “I am delighted that the SJCC has chosen AMEND as its charity again this year. Sadly, I couldn’t attend the gala dinner in January as I was unwell, so being invited along to meet personally all of those in the construction community that were so involved in the fundraising in memory of Nick, was very special. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t seem sufficient for everything that has been done.”