When Simon joined Branston Ltd in 1996, he didn’t expect to be washing pots at work on a Sunday morning! But it was all for a good cause.
Branston has been championing St Barnabas for over a decade, with staff regularly going the extra mile to make sure their fundraising is a success. In 2019 the Hospice was Branston’s Charity of the Year for the second time. Simon and other staff volunteers set about organising a 100-mile bike ride. Staff and customers were up for the challenge and they set off enthusiastically.
The ride was perfectly organised; the only thing the team couldn’t plan was the weather. Eight hours of cycling in less-than-ideal conditions meant riders were welcomed back with foil blankets and hot drinks! Thankfully, during the Lincoln 10K the Branston team enjoyed better weather while striding out raising money for the Hospice.
Simon and the team try to theme the fundraising activities around an active lifestyle and healthy living, but no one can resist a bake sale! And when they held an inter-department fundraising challenge, a pub quiz was a winner among staff. But perhaps the most memorable event was the pop-up restaurant one Saturday night. Outside caterers gave their time freely, and the team in Simon’s department volunteered to be front of house, while Simon put himself forward to be pot washer the next day!
Thankfully pot washing was assigned to someone else when Branston organised the Bloomin’ Great Branston Tea Party in Branston village. A bouncy castle, tombola, cake sale and fun races meant there was something there for everyone. And the day ended with a cricket match – Branston Ltd vs Branston village. Despite supporting the losing team on the day, we’re proud to call Branston a partner!
In his own words…
“While several of us at Branston have experienced St Barnabas’ care through family and friends, it’s a cause that resonates with us all. I remember someone from the Hospice coming along to the pop-up restaurant and telling us about the care and support St Barnabas gives the whole family. The room fell silent as people realised the extent of it.
“Branston is a partner for the Hospice’s 40th-anniversary HeART Trail, and we’re all looking forward to lending our support again, knowing we’re making a difference to local people – our staff, suppliers and customers.”
To see all 40 Faces and their stories, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/40faces