A mission in memory

Agroup from Princes, the Liverpool-based food and drink giant, have presented the Motor Neurone Disease Association with a cheque for £47,000 in memory of friend and colleague Justin Hammond.

Justin, a sales director at the company, was diagnosed with the degenerative disease 18 months ago, and died at home earlier this year, aged 50.

Members of his family joined friends and staff to walk 35 miles from Princes’ headquarters in the Royal Liver Building to Justin’s home in Sale, Greater Manchester.

Friend Alastair Roberts, who worked closely with Justin said: “He fought a cruel disease with dignity and remarkable courage. What started out as a simple charity walk has, in some small way, become his legacy.”

Adam Norcott said: “Justin has been an inspiration. He remained positive and upbeat, retained his brilliant sense of humour and was always more concerned about others than himself. It has been a privilege to be his friend and part of the team raising money to help find a cure. We will all miss him.” is brain tumours, so I hope that raising money will help fund more research into glioblastomas and improve the prognosis for people diagnosed with this horrible cancer. If I can help other families in a similar situation, then a bit of sweat from running in the marathon is the least I can do!”

To donate to Lisa’s fundraiser, visit https://lnkd.in/eBcw4ESn and to find out more about Brain Research UK, see www. brainresearchuk.org.uk

Make a difference

Volunteers are the backbone of many organisations, and it’s no different at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH). The League of Friends manages over 150 helpers at the Oswestry hospital and is looking for more. Heather Thomas-Bache, head of fundraising, communications and volunteers said: “There is an array of roles available, from helping in our retail outlets to fundraising supports. Volunteers provide a vital service that is well appreciated by staff, patients and relatives alike.”

Beryl Angel has been a volunteer for 13 years, currently on the helpdesk and shop trolley service. She said: “It is a profoundly satisfying experience. I would urge anyone considering it to give the Friends a try.”

Melvin Dulak is a Ward Friend at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries. He said: “For me, volunteering helps my overall mental health, gets me out and enables me to meet lots of new people – with the added bonus of making genuine friends along the way.” See www.friendsrjah.org.uk/volunteer/

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