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entrepreneurs’ forum news
from Forum Autumn 22
autumn 22 EF raise nearly £40k in CEO’s memory
When we embarked on our mission to raise £20k for Cancer Research UK to mark our 20th anniversary, we never imagined we would actually raise nearly double that!
We have all been fundamentally affected by the pandemic and business is not just returning to how things once were. The world has changed and there is a growing number of entrepreneurs who are challenging their core values and are striving to do good as they do well. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is no exception, challenging ourselves to contribute more to the region. When planning our 20th anniversary celebrations, we decided that we would encourage our members and partners to come together and help prevent others facing the same fate as our former CEO, Jonathan Lamb, who tragically passed away from cancer earlier this year. We agreed with Jonathan, prior to his death, that the team, our members and partners would aim to raise £20k for Business Beats Cancer Newcastle, an arm of Cancer Research UK. All of the funds raised would go towards lifesaving cancer research right here in the North East. Fundraising began in June at our anniversary Gala Dinner where members had fun bidding on a selection of unique silent auction prizes as well as matching an anonymous donor pledge of £10k - blowing our £20k target out of the water in one night alone. Addressing the audience on the evening, Nicky McKenna, Relationship Manager for Business Beats Cancer Newcastle, said, “Your donation is absolutely outstanding, we’re all in shock at so much generosity. These funds will go to life saving research taking place right here in this region. Thank you so much.” Jump forward to 6am on Saturday 2nd July, equipped with snacks and insect repellent, Forum team members Elaine, Stacey and Lucy, along with others, looked to add more pennies to the pot by embarking on a mammoth 26 mile sponsored hike of the Kielder Reservoir shoreline. The kind weather didn’t last and before too long the heavens opened and a biblical amount of water fell. How waterproof our clothes and boots were becoming the main topic of conversation - along with a heated debate, Haribo Goldbears or Jelly Babies? We were soaked to the skin but spirits were high as we reached the shelter of Kielder Castle, hot coffee and bacon baps - it was STILL raining. From the castle we headed to the north shore. As the miles ticked away the rain started to ease - finally we could appreciate the beauty of the lake. With only nine miles to go, we were all thinking that there were worse ways to spend a Saturday afternoon, but the meandering shoreline with its never ending inlets took its toll. Blisters appeared, hiking boots disintegrated. Two miles to go we were hurting; the lively chatter of the morning had become gentle prayers that the end was around the next bend and on the stroke of 5pm, it was! We had all made it and are deservedly proud of our endurance. The blisters may have healed, but the memories of a great day out for a great cause will last forever. This feeling is shared by those who joined us on the day, including long-standing member, Ean Parsons of Parsons Containers, who said, “It was great to join with the Forum team to complete the walk around Kielder and support the Forum’s charity fundraising effort. This sort of event suits me and is a great example of how the Forum organises a varied range of events where members can network, hear different views and learn about the diversity of business in the region.” Likewise, Joanne Warren, who joined the walk with members of her team at Lumo, added, “Lumo joined the Forum as corporate partners when Jonathan Lamb was CEO. Jonathan made a lasting impression on all of us and the team at Lumo wanted to show our appreciation and support of the Forum team in raising funds for Business Beats Cancer in Jonathan’s memory. We had lots of fun on the day, even though it rained a lot, but it is always sunny with team Lumo and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.” In addition to Ean and Joanne, we were joined on our epic challenge by Alastair Waite of Altec Engineering, Dan Parker of Aspect Facades, Louise McWittie, Graeme Watson, Lisa Robinson and Lee Quarzi from Lumo and Rebecca Crinson, Jeni Lagan, Stanley Winterman, Ciaran Bound and Lewis Ryan from Explain Market Research.
