Thanks to Helene for sharing this latest news from GKN. Ed
GKN Aerospace in Cowes is to be the primary sponsor for the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service ‘100 Here 100 There – 2013’ charity cycling challenge. The event aims to raise £20,000 for the Wessex Cancer Trust (WCT), which is the charity selected as the focus for all GKN Aerospace – Cowes fundraising activities throughout 2013.
The ‘100 Here’ section of the challenge will take place on Sunday 30th June, 2013, starting and finishing at Ryde Fire Station. There will be two route options – a 100 mile ride or a slightly shorter 100 km alternative.
The ‘100 There’ section will take place earlier in June and will involve two members of the Fire and Rescue Service cycling up and over 100 mountains in just 10 days across the French Alps.
£3,000 of corporate sponsorship
GKN Aerospace is supporting these events with £3000 of corporate sponsorship. The company has also committed to getting together a group of 100 people – to include senior management and staff at the Cowes site and their family and friends – who will raise sponsorship funds and take part in the Island cycle ride.
Operations General Manager, GKN Aerospace – Cowes, Garry Hernes comments: “Every year, we at GKN Aerospace in Cowes raise funds for local charities in a wide variety of ways. In 2013 we have decided to focus all our efforts on a single charity that is active on the Island, directly benefits local people and is close to our heart as a company as it has supported staff who have suffered from cancer or have lost precious family, friends and colleagues to the disease. The WCT has an important target to reach this year which will allow the charity immediately to extend the support it offers Island residents. As a result we felt this was the right time to make a commitment to support their activities.”
Working together we can make a difference
Watch Manager Kelvin Wright from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service commented: “The IWFRS are delighted to once again be working closely with GKN Aerospace on a local fundraising initiative supporting Island cancer patients. This is a disease that has touched us all, so working together in support of the WCT, we can make a difference.”
Wessex Cancer Trust
After 31 years of supporting Island cancer patients, the WCT is to open a cancer support centre in Newport this year.
This centre will promote prevention and early detection of cancer and offer support with all aspects of dealing with the disease – including providing counselling and a vast range of alternative therapies. The centre will also give practical assistance to the many Island cancer patients who must travel to the mainland for treatment and diagnosis.
It will offer grants to help fund travel as well as helping arrange transport from Southampton Quay via the Daisy Bus and providing volunteers to travel with individuals who must attend an appointment on their own. The WCT also has holiday accommodation in Weymouth and Milford on Sea which may be used by cancer patients and their families.
Image: Left to right: Stuart May, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Garry Hernes, General Manager, GKN Aerospace – Cowes, Kelvin Wright – Watch Manager Community Safety Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Lynn Ellsbury – Human Resources Manager, GKN Aerospace – Cowes
