Community Pride: Firm inspired by fundraisers (From York Press)

Community Pride: Firm inspired by fundraisers

8:20am Friday 31st August 2012 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

A BUSINESS involved in this year’s Community Pride awards has spoken why it is supporting the Charity Fundraiser Of The Year award.

The category, which recognises innovative fundraising and the personal effort of individuals, is being sponsored by Quickslide Windows Direct Limited.

This year the inspirational people to have been shortlisted in the category include 21-year-old Harry Baines, from Fulford , who overcame cancer to undertake a 1,000-mile bike ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and the automotive charity, BEN.

Also in the running is Derrick Lund, 79, of Skeldergate, York, who has raised £46,000 for York Blind & Partially Sighted Society.

Mr Lund, who is disabled and was diagnosed with tunnel vision following a brain operation, has devoted about 20 years to fundraising for other blind and partially sighted people, as well as numerous charities.

Meanwhile, Julie Staveley and Angie Holland, of York Ambulance Service, helped raise almost £12,000 for a computer which reads eye movements to help close friend Sally Waudby, who was suffering from motor neurone disease, to communicate.

Mrs Waudby asked for her friends to be nominated before she passed away earlier this year. The computer is now being used to benefit others.

Marcus O’Boyle, general manager of Quickslide in York, said: “Although Quickslide is a national company, it has a history of supporting and recognising local charity work.

“We are happy to be associated with this particular award because we know how difficult it can be, particularly in challenging economic times, to raise funds.

“The finalists all deserve a big pat on the back for their fantastic efforts and fully deserve the recognition of the award ceremony. Well done to all of them.”

Quickslide, which is owned by York entrepreneur Adrian Barraclough, is based in Redeness Street.

Last year, Brian Hughes, a barber from South Bank, was named Fundraiser Of The Year for supporting men’s cancer charities through setting up the Taking The P race in York.