Member Match Funding

Some of our Members have moving, personal stories which drive them to raise funds on behalf of a charity.

On a quarterly basis, the Trust offer Member Match-Funding which provides Members with an opportunity to boost their fundraising efforts. The Trust will match up to £1,000 of any sponsorship raised to support registered charities throughout the UK, helping some wonderful charities along the way.

Last year, 22 of our Members managed to undertake a range of wild and wacky activities. We continue to support requests in 2025 when we hope to benefit many more worthwhile and deserving causes.

Member Fund Raising Activities

Tandem Free-fall Parachute Jump for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association

From daredevil climbs to dare devil jumps! Darryl from our Paint & Plastics Division undertook a tandem free-fall parachute jump. Raising a fantastic sum of £5,000, including Member Match-Funding, for another great charity – the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (BLESMA).

Well done Darryl!

The Iron Butt UK Saddlesore 1000
for the Royal British Legion

Chris managed to endure a 1,000-mile motorcycle endurance ride in under 24 hours. Having only ever ridden, at most, 400 miles in a day previously, Chris saddled up in support of the Royal British Legion and set off north up the M62 to Manchester. The route then took him to the highlands, then onto the east coast of Scotland before heading down to Edinburgh. Finally, having journeyed to Northumberland, they ended up where they started - the Squires Café - for some well-earned refreshments.

Holding an average speed of 42mph and braving over 17 hours of rain in the saddle, Chris raised £480 for an excellent cause.

Despite learning the “meaning of the term saddle-sore” and braving the harsh conditions, Chris has said he’ll be back next year taking on a different route!

Hike Across the Peak District
for Macmillan Cancer Support

During the Summer, Jemmy from our Assembly Division, took part in a 26-mile hike across the beautiful Peak District National Park. Having been personally impacted by cancer some 10 years ago, Jemmy chose to fundraise on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support who helped the family overcome the many challenges faced during that difficult period.

Fast forward, having beaten it and, to say thank you, Jemmy completed his marathon hike achieving an incredibly respectable 79^th/867. In addition, he raised an amazing £2,254, including Member Match-Funding. Job well done Jemmy!

The final word goes to Jemmy who says “listen to your body, take the slow road and enjoy the beautiful world we are in”.

The London Marathon
for Cancer Research UK

After turning 54 this year, Kelly stormed through the marathon in a time of 4:09:04, raising over £1,930 in the process.

A fantastic effort Kelly – well done!

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
for Prostate Cancer Research UK

Having previously supported this event over the years by sponsoring another rider and spectating .... it was Kev’s turn to take part.

Kev from our Press Shop joined fellow men and women across the globe in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to not only raise funds, but also awareness for prostate cancer. Riders sported dapper clothing while riding vintage & classic style motorcycles.

To top it off, not only did Kev raise a fantastic £1,236, including Member Match-Funding, but having pressed one's tweeds and polished one's boots, he won the award for most dapper dressed gent – spiffing!

Sheffield Pretty Muddy 5K Event
for Cancer Research UK

Lee, from our Body Shop, recently took part in the Sheffield Pretty Muddy 5k Event – a 5km run with obstacles. Lee ran with both his wife and daughter who have both been impacted by cancer, so it’s a charity very close to Lee’s heart.

Lee said the race atmosphere was superb and it was clear that the idea was to have fun. In fact, Lee thinks that more races should have space hopper sections!

Overall, running with his wife and daughter at an event that was overwhelmingly upbeat was of course, a very special experience.

£690, including match funding, was raised – Lee, you smashed it!

Charity Mixed Marshall Arts Fight
for Fighting to be Heard & MIND UK

Maintenance trainees Tom and Adam raised a fantastic £2,150, including match funding, having taken part in a charity Mixed Marshall Arts (MMA) Fight earlier this year.

Tom raised funds on behalf of Fighting to be Heard, a voluntary organisation led by patients with incurable secondary breast cancer in the UK, whilst Adam raised funds on behalf of MIND UK having sadly lost a friend with mental health issues.

Well done to you both – awesome effort!

Golf Marathon Fundraising Event
for Prostate Cancer UK

Wayne from our Plastics shop participated in a golf marathon on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK, a charity close to his heart as several of Wayne’s friends have undergone treatment over the past few years.

Wayne's golf marathon in numbers:
28 = degrees centigrade (baking sun all day)
72 = number of golf holes played
04:00 = time of first golf shot hit
21:30 = time 72nd hole finished
60892 = steps completed
28.5 = miles walked
1 = lost golf ball
7 = blisters on his feet
1 = lost toe nail
£1,400 = raised for a very worthy cause.

Wayne said “The charity thanked me for my donations; however, they are thanking the wrong person. It’s my friends, family, colleagues and employer who should be thanked, as they are the ones donating”.

Fantastic job Wayne!