Staff from Prosper and JTC Furniture have joined forces to raise funds for Maggie's Newcastle, which provides vital support for individuals living with cancer and their families.
A team of more than 20 staff from both organisations will be joined by colleagues from North East Housing landlords, to take part in the 13-mile charity walk on Tuesday 28 April, setting off from Bamburgh Castle and taking in the stunning Northumberland coastline scenery, finishing at Dunstanburgh Castle.
The charity was specifically chosen by colleagues from both organisations whose family have been affected by cancer and have received support directly from the centre and wanted to give something back.
The team have set themselves an ambitious target of raising £3,000 for Maggie’s centre in Newcastle, which is the equivalent of covering the operational costs to run the centre for one full day.
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.
The team will have a guide throughout the 13-miles who will organise the full route, lunch and transport.
Rebecca Griggs, Head of Procurement at Prosper, said: “During our strategy away day, we agreed to give something back to a local charity and chose an event all staff could participate in. We are delighted to be supporting Maggie’s Centre in Newcastle which is very close to me and my family.
“We are also pleased to team up with staff from JTC Furniture, who will join us on the day. We hope to raise lots of money for this worthy charity and keep our fingers crossed for good weather. Please support us if you can.”
Colin Tweddell, Executive Director – Social Housing at JTC, said: “Maggie’s is a charity that holds a very special place in my heart, and for many of us across JTC and Prosper, it’s something we feel a real and personal connection to. The support they provide to people and families navigating cancer is truly extraordinary – creating a space where people feel understood, supported and not alone.
“This challenge means a great deal to me personally. It’s our way of giving something back to a charity that brings light and reassurance during some of life’s most difficult moments. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this effort alongside such a committed team, and we’re all determined to make a meaningful contribution to Maggie’s Newcastle.”
Karen Verrill, Centre Head at Maggie’s Newcastle, said: “Cancer affects so many people and their families across our region. At Maggie’s, we provide a different kind of cancer care, offering free emotional, financial and psychological help to anyone who needs us. We’re delighted that Prosper and JTC have chosen to support our centre through their Castle to Castle walk. Everything we offer, from a simple cup of tea to our warm and welcoming building, is funded by our local community. The funds and awareness raised through this challenge will make a huge difference to the people who need us, whenever they need us. We wish the team the very best of luck.”
To make a donation and support this worthwhile cause, please visit: www.justgiving.com/team/ castletocastlecharitywalk