Gary Burke, Managing Director of Burke Bros Moving Group, has continued fundraising for hospice charity, Compton Care after being named the number one individual fundraiser for raising the largest amount of money for his chosen charity, in the Wolverhampton to Aberdovey Bike Ride. Gary originally raised £6,500 (including gift aid) after joining the 500+ cyclists who took part in the 105-mile ride last June. He then continued to receive support from so many people, that he kept the Just Giving page open, re-set the target and raised a final total of £10,000 (including gift aid.)
As Gary explains: “Once I reached £6,500 I intended to close off the fundraising for the event, but there were so many people that wanted to offer their support, that I decided to keep going. I originally aimed for 40 donations to mark both Burke Bros Moving Group’s 40th year in business which also coincided with Compton Care’s 40th year, but I’ve received donations from more than 205 friends and colleagues both within the UK and around the world.”
Lee Newman, Head of Fundraising at Compton Care, said: “We’re so proud of Gary’s incredible achievement and are absolutely thrilled with his final total. His dedication to raising both awareness and funds for Compton is so appreciated by all of us across the charity.
“To start out with a target of 40 donations to celebrate our 40th birthday, before then going on to raise £10,000 for us, is amazing and will help so many of our patients and their families who access our variety of free services. We’d all like to say a massive thank you and congratulations to Gary.”
The Wolverhampton removal and storage company has supported the charity through a number of other initiatives from sky dives to furniture and book donations and more recently a team of removal operatives from the company climbed Snowdon to raise funds for the charity. Gary has always placed importance on working in and helping the local community and supporting other local charities, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Good Shepherd Ministry, Wolverhampton. Furthermore, as part of their strategy to improve their environmental credentials and take responsibility for their emissions as they work towards Net Zero, the removal and storage company has also recently been certified PAS2060 Carbon Neutral and are the first removal company in the world to achieve this.
Commenting further on the achievement, Gary said: “I’m so pleased that through friends, business colleagues, suppliers and customers, I’ve been able to raise the £10,000 of much-needed funds to help Compton Care.
End of life care affects all families at some time. We all know friends and family that have needed support at some time and Compton Care continues to offer support and help today for many people and their families. Both personally and as a company we’re strong supporters of both the charity ride and of raising funds for the hospice.”
Compton Care have been supporting patients facing life-limiting illnesses, and their families, for 40 years. A fully qualified team of doctors, nurses and support workers are on hand to provide the best possible care for patients and their families during the most difficult periods.
The Wolverhampton to Aberdovey charity bike ride is an annual event and last year raised £200,828.83 in total.
L-R: Adrian Thelwell – Healthcare Assistant, Elaine Reed – Corporate Fundraiser, Lee Newman – Head of Fundraising, Lisa Nickless – Head of Communications, Compton Care and central Gary Burke, Burke Bros Moving Group
See the story in the Express and Star online.
