Over £3k raised to fight meningitis
2018 was a big year for fundraising activity at Page Kirk and the money generated went to a very worthy cause – Meningitis Now. Head Receptionist Amanda Willis, who was responsible for co-ordinating efforts across the firm, looks back at some of the memorable moments.
Anyone who has had personal experience of meningitis among family and friends will be able to tell you just how devastating the illness can be. There's a constant need to raise awareness of the symptoms and also fund research into even more effective treatments. That's why we were delighted to have selected Meningitis Now as our Charity of the Year in 2018.
Page Kirk team with Meningitis Now Volunteers Janette and Cliff
Reflecting on our fundraising activities last year, there are many highlights. Our charity dress-down days, for instance, and the tasty cakes served up at our Page Kirk Bake-Off (Prue Leith eat your heart out!). We had the egg-citement of our Easter-themed charity day and the office sweepstake during the World Cup. But we didn't pass up any opportunity to add to our total. Valentine's Day, afternoon tea and our huge Christmas-themed raffle. Not to mention our very own Royal Wedding party, which included a wedding cake!
And remember the Tough Mudder? Some intrepid Page Kirk staff travelled to Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire last May for the notorious obstacle course, which stretches over five miles. They overcame mud mounds, water pits and climbing walls and succeeded in adding an amazing £500 to our fundraising total.
October saw our 24-hour non-stop static bike challenge, where a team of 10 cyclists each took turns to spend 30 minutes to keep the wheels spinning. Support came in throughout, as the event was streamed on Facebook Live.
The cycle team raising a toast with their certificates from Meningitis Now
Our grand total at the end of the year was a whopping £3,401 and it couldn't be going to a more deserving cause. I feel really humbled by everyone's support. Thank you to colleagues, clients, contacts friends and family for all their support in all of our activities. We couldn't have done this without you.
What I didn't expect was how raising funds and awareness for the charity has brought the team closer. It was amazing to see us all pull together and work as a team to do something wonderful last year.
On Wednesday 13th February we were able to present Meningitis Now volunteers Janette and Cliff our cheque. Their grandson suffered from meningitis as a youngster, so the cause means a huge amount to them personally. Their presence brought home to all of us just how important the fundraising efforts had been.
Meningitis Now's Director of Fundraising, Beth Bottrill, has sent us the following message:
“We would like to thank everyone at Page Kirk who has helped raise a phenomenal £3,401 for Meningitis Now. From taking on a Tough Mudder to joining in with the 24 hour static bike ride, or participating in office activities such as dress down days, it has been great to see how the team have pulled together to achieve this amazing result. The vital funds raised will be put to immediate good use in our fight against meningitis, helping to save lives and rebuild futures.”
For more information on meningitis, please visit www.MeningitisNow.org or call their freephone helpline on 0808 80 10 388.
Stay tuned to find out which charities we are supporting throughout 2019.
Amanda, who coordinated all fundraising for Page Kirk with Meningitis Now Volunteers Cliff and Janette