Staff step in with hospital cash
Staff from the Fort William office of insurance broker and risk management specialist Gallagher have raised more than £5,000 for the Belford Hospital to fund the purchase of two special mattresses to alleviate bed sores for terminally ill patients – a cause close to the heart of one team member.
The dedicated team took on a 195-mile step challenge, where colleagues were tasked with completing a gruelling 13 miles every day for just over two weeks.
They were supported from other branches across Scotland, who undertook a cycle challenge from Edinburgh to Falkirk, with everyone from account manager to director level taking part to support the good cause.
The team cycled a combined total of 125 miles to raise funds for the charity.
The Belford Hospital Fund was chosen as it is close to the heart of one of the team members in Gallagher’s Fort William office.
Ann-Marie MacRae’s father sadly lost his short battle with cancer earlier this year and she was keen to raise money for the organisation so that other families would benefit in the future.
Initial fundraising efforts amounted to more than £2,865 – a figure that was then doubled to more than £5,730 through ‘Gallagher Gives’, a match-funding initiative offered by the broker’s UK head office.
Ian Macdonald, branch director at Gallagher’s Fort William office, said: ‘I’m incredibly proud of everyone who took part in this step/ cycle challenge for such a worthwhile cause. The charity is close to our team due to Ann-Marie’s experience and we’re delighted to raise enough funding to ensure two families can benefit from specialist mattresses to allow their loved ones to receive vital comfort and care.
‘Community is at the heart of Gallagher’s ethos and we were delighted to be able to give something back to those in need.
‘I’d like to thank all of our volunteers who helped to make our challenge a success and to the incredible support from clients, local businesses, colleagues, insurers, friends and family who generously donated to Belford Hospital NHS Highland’s Fund.’
Anne Boyd-MacKay, the hospital’s rural general manager, added: ‘This is a wonderful donation.
‘We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from Gallagher and the dedication shown by the team to raise money for the Belford.
‘Their commitment to support others in the local area – spurred on by their personal experiences – is fantastic.
‘We are committed to delivering the best possible palliative care for our patients, which is why funding of these special mattresses by staff at Gallagher’s is so appreciated.
‘A huge thank you is extended to the team for all their hard work.’