10 February 2012

This Press Release comes from the Fusion Group of Companies, some of whose workforce did a bike ride along the canal last September, raising money for the Trust.

MAYOR PRAISES EXCEPTIONAL FUNDRAISING BY FUSION

The Mayor of Chesterfield praised Fusion's volunteers and supporters for raising over £65,000 for over 30 charities with their 40th anniversary Charity Challenge.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Cllr Peter Barr and Mrs Jean Barr, joined the Fusion Group’s employees and selected local charities last night at the Fox and Goose Inn in Chesterfield to celebrate the end of their 40th year and pay tribute to the fundraisers and supporters who helped Fusion crash through their original target of £40,000.

The Mayor presented awards to the top fundraising team, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and top fundraiser, Marie Whitehead, and commended everyone involved: “Chesterfield is full of so many people that volunteer and do their bit and you are a perfect example of this - it is truly exceptional what you have achieved,” he said.

Representatives from Ashgate Hospice, St Luke’s Hospice, The Chesterfield Canal Trust, British Heart Foundation, The Children’s Hospital Charity (Sheffield) and Macmillan Cancer Support all joined in the celebration and thanked the fundraisers for their support.

Photo (left to right): Mrs Jean Barr, Cllr Peter Barr, Rob Turner (Macmillan Cancer Care), Petra Bridgstock (Fusion), Joanne Edwards (Ashgate Hospice), John Yarnall (British Heart Foundation), Margot Walker (St Luke’s Hospice), Tchad Western (Children’s Hospital Charity), Robin Stonebridge (Chesterfield Canal Trust)

What the charities said:

Joanne Edwards, Head of Fundraising and Communications, Ashgate Hospice:
“When we get people like you who are enthusiastic, passionate and caring it means such a lot to us. The money you’ve raised will hopefully ensure we can carry on providing a vital service to North East Derbyshire people at the end of their lives and it will make a massive difference.”

Margot Walker, Corporate and Trust Fundraising Manager, St Luke’s Hospice:
“It’s been fascinating hearing about the amazing things Fusion people have done to raise money – please carry on doing what you do as we will always need your support.”

Robin Stonebridge, Chair of The Chesterfield Canal Trust:
“The support of well-known companies like Fusion makes a tremendous difference to the Trust as it really demonstrates that all sections of the community value what the Trust and its volunteers are doing to restore this valuable part of Chesterfield’s heritage.”

John Yarnall, British Heart Foundation:
“You’ve raised a fantastic amount and it will go towards educating people in the new ‘no lips’ CPR which will help save lives.”

Tchad Western, Corporate Fundraiser Children’s Hospital Charity:
“Thank you for putting yourselves through tortuous activities for the charity and raising such a phenomenal amount of money.”

Rob Turner, Fundraising Manager Macmillan Cancer Support: 
“It has been truly inspirational working with all the volunteers from Fusion and seeing the passion and fun they bring to their fundraising.”

Editor’s notes:
The celebration is the Fusion Group’s conclusion to their 40th year Charity Challenge.  Please visit www.fusion40cc.com for further details on their year of fundraising.
Fusion Group is a £100m turnover multinational supporting gas, water and electricity infrastructure markets worldwide. Fusion Group operates globally, with manufacturing sites in the UK, China and Egypt, wholly-owned or joint-venture distributors in nineteen countries, and direct sales into a further 40 international territories.  The Group's headquarters are located in Chesterfield, England.  For further information on the Fusion Group please visit: www.fusiongroup.com
Please contact Meg Holmes, Marketing and Communications Manager if you need further information:
Mobile: 07966 415653
Work: 01246 262778
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The riders at Hollingwood Hub.