Spar UK is celebrating a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with Marie Curie, having raised an incredible £4 million since 2017.
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity, providing expert care and support for people with any terminal illness and their loved ones. Through a combination of national campaigns, regional fundraising, and supplier collaborations, Spar has made a significant impact on the charity’s ability to deliver essential end of life care in communities across the UK.
Ian Taylor, Spar UK retail & brand development director, said: “We are incredibly proud of the efforts made by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers in supporting Marie Curie. Their dedication has made a tangible difference to the lives of those needing end of life care. Marie Curie Nurses carry out vital work every day and night to support people in their homes, providing expert end of life care and vital emotional support. Our ongoing support is a reflection of our commitment to them and the communities we serve.”
Thanks to the generosity of Spar colleagues, customers, and suppliers, £4 million raised could:
- Fund 173,000 hours of vital Marie Curie nursing care for those living with a terminal illness.
- Support 102 Marie Curie nursing posts for one year.
- Provide care for 2,400 patients through Marie Curie’s Hospice Care at Home service.
- Keep all – Marie Curie Hospices running for nearly two months, delivering medical, emotional, and psychological support.
Matthew Reed, Marie Curie chief executive, said: “Thank you so very much to all Spar colleagues, customers, and suppliers for your continued support for Marie Curie’s work. Together, we are ensuring that people at the end of life, and those close to them, receive the care and compassion they need. We are in awe of your passion and commitment.”
Since the partnership began, Spar stores, colleagues, and Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) have continuously organised fundraising efforts in support of Marie Curie. Initiatives have included:
- Spar own label fundraising – Over £206,000 raised through sales of fresh daffodils and linked CRM campaigns on Spar Brand products during the Great Daffodil Appeal.
- Limited Edition Spar Brand products – Over £69,000 raised through sales of Spar Brand sandwiches featuring Marie Curie Nurses.
- Event fundraising – Spar UK has incorporated fundraising into key events, such as their annual golf day and conferences in Gran Canaria and South Africa, with £153,000 raised to date.
Spar’s five Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) have also played a vital role in fundraising efforts:
- Appleby Westward & James Hall & Co. Ltd enabled the delivery of 1 million pieces of PPE to Marie Curie Nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting 150,000 nursing hours.
- James Hall & Co Ltd took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in July 2024, raising £40,000 – enough to fund 1,739 hours of nursing care.
- A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd not only raises funds but also actively supports Marie Curie’s hospices. Through its new company-wide partnership, the business aims to raise £250,000 across its Spar stores, logistics warehouses, Philpotts stores, and head office support teams.
- CJ Lang & Son Ltd has organised ambitious fundraising challenges, including a Ben Nevis climb, fire-walking, and zip-lining across the Clyde, raising over £50,000 in one event alone. Their partnership with Rollover Hotdogs has funded 609 hours of care over three years.
- Henderson Group has raised £80,000 from its 60th anniversary gala and over £350,000 through its highly successful Tea Party campaign, contributing to a remarkable total of £1 million expected to be raised by summer in support of care in Northern Ireland.
Spar’s commitment to Marie Curie continues to ensure more people receive the care and support they deserve at the end of life.
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