Campaigning charities the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) have joined a long list of deserving causes including Rays of Sunshine, Prince’s Youth Business Trust, Fairbridge and the British Institute of Brain Injured Children to have received financial support from the industry courtesy of the Bacta Charitable Trust.
The organisations received £2,000 each in the latest set of discretionary awards which were confirmed by Trustees and followed requests submitted by bacta members.
Bacta CEO John White underlined the history of the Charitable Trust in supporting a wide range of organisations both large and small. “Since the Trust was launched in 1991 I’m proud to confirm that it has raised and distributed over £3.25m to more than 50 charities.
“With so many bacta members supporting their own charities often based on personal history or family associations this sum represents just a fraction of what the industry has raised and continues to raise for those in society who are less fortunate.”
He added: “The Trustees look favourably on those good causes recommended by members and actively encourage nominations which are assessed at one of the Charitable Trust’s meetings which are held every four-months.”
The £2,000 donation to MNDA followed a request by MERKUR Casino UK’s Andy Tipple who was one of the seven industry cyclists to complete the famous 55-mile Taff Trail through the stunning Welsh countryside. Andy was joined on the ride by Paul Abbott, Kevin Temple, Josh Beard, Martin Beard, James Ferguson and Jospeh Cullis, an industry peloton of personalities representing, MERKUR, Novomatic Gaming UK, Blueprint Operations and Windmill Leisure and whose combined pedal power – including the bacta donation – succeeded in raising a grand total of £15,476.
Acknowledging the importance of the sum Christine James Development Officer at the MNDA said: “We rely almost entirely upon fundraising from wonderful supporters like you to continue our work.
“With your help we can improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We also fund and promote research, and campaign to raise awareness so the needs of those affected by the disease are addressed by wider society. Once again, thank you so much for your valuable support: few conditions are as devastating as MND and we will not stop until we find a cure.”
The important personal dimension to fundraising was put into sharp focus when the Trust agreed to support a request made on behalf of Melissa Bennett who works as Assistant Manager at the FunStation in Hull via owner James Miller.
Melissa, who is completing a sponsored Assault Course in aid of Cystic Fibrosis alongside partner Andrew, immediately contacted the Trust to show her appreciation at the news. “I’m ecstatic at the award” she wrote. “On a serious note, this is actually amazing and myself and Andrew are deeply grateful as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is close to our heart and we both appreciate this very much. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for us and I just want to say thank you so much!”
Both Awards will be marked with cheque presentations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in front of local media.