£100,000 has been handed over to the CEO of AMEND in person after a fundraising campaign in memory of a local businessman.
Nick Fayers was MD at Barnes Construction for 18 years before he passed away from MEN 1 in December 2017.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Type 1 is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumours in the body’s endocrine system and AMEND is the national patient-led charity that works to improve the well-being of everyone affected by the condition, including patients, families and friends.
In 2018, the Nick Fayers Amend Fund was set up to fundraise within the local community in his memory. Led by a steering committee of willing volunteers comprising Nick’s family, his colleagues at Barnes and representatives from the local construction and property sector, a range of activities and events took place, raising a staggering £100,000 for this very small charity.
Eric Benton, committee Chair commented: “As well as the fund being boosted by generous personal donations at the beginning and numerous fundraising events organised by Barnes Construction throughout the year, our thanks go to KLH Architects, ECA, Castons, FBE and the Stowmarket Lions, as well as Concertus, Ipswich Interact, MLM and the SJCC; all who held events which raised thousands of pounds.
“We would also like to thank the individuals that took part in marathons, cycle rides, sky diving and the Orwell Challenge, and of course, the imaginatively named ‘Blue Piggy’ which became the campaign’s mascot and travelled around the county attracting donations.
“The fundraising campaign culminated with a gala dinner which raised over £25k.”
Jo Grey is CEO of AMEND and is pictured with members of the steering committee.
She commented: “Sadly, I couldn’t attend the gala dinner as I was very unwell, so being invited along to meet personally all of those in the construction community that was so involved in the fundraising in memory of Nick, was very special. The money raised will go towards supporting the wellbeing of everyone affected by Nick’s condition, as well as assisting in future research.
‘Thank you’ doesn’t seem sufficient for everything that has been done.”
