Skipton team digs deep for cancer

Thursday 15 November 2018

The Skipton International team has spent the year fund raising for Bulstrode House in honour of its Customer Advisor Helen Heaume, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016.

The Channel Island Bank held a variety of events in support of its long-standing colleague, raising a total of £2,000 for the oncology unit that provides care for those suffering with cancer.

Ms Heaume, who has worked with Skipton for over 15 years, organised a series of events with Finance Administrator Tracey Skillett which included an auction, raffle, bake sale, quiz and buffet lunch. Managing Director Jim Coupe donated his services to the highest bidder of the auction, spending an afternoon working for the customer services team.

Further funds were also raised for this worthy cause, following Skipton’s participation in the Helvetia Challenge earlier this summer. Fundraising efforts saw a total of £1,672 raised for Bulstrode House, with the Skipton Community Fund topping up this sum to £2,000.

Ms Heaume said: “Having worked with Skipton for such a long time, the team here feels like an extended family and the support I have experienced since my diagnosis has been overwhelming. I am thrilled that everyone has dug so deep into their pockets as part of this fundraising and that Skipton was also willing to contribute from its Community Fund.  

“The staff at Bulstrode House do an amazing job and I wanted to recognise this and thank them for all the support I have received since my diagnosis.” 

Pictured: Skipton International staff have raised funds for Bulstrode House. 

Lucy Coggon, an oncology nurse at Bulstrode House, said: “We’d like to thank Helen and the Skipton team so much for their kind donation.  The money we receive pays for things that make having treatment more comfortable, such as newspapers and magazines, a wide range of teas, coffee and biscuits and cosy blankets to keep patients warm.  It also supports the reflexology sessions that are offered to patients and equipment like the scalp cooling machine, which tries to prevent hair loss.”

The Skipton Community Fund has assisted 22 not-for-profit organisations since its launch earlier this year. The aim of the Fund is to support projects and causes by smaller organisations that would benefit the wider community. The Fund also supports those causes close to the hearts of Skipton’s staff members. 

Aaron Walden, Commercial Manager of Skipton International said: “Most of us will have colleagues and friends who have been touched by cancer, so I speak on behalf of all the team at Skipton when I say how happy we were to get behind Helen’s fundraising efforts. Bulstrode House plays such an important role in our community, so we are really pleased to be doing what we can to ensure they can continue to provide treatment to all those that come through their doors.”

Pictured top l to r: Lucy Coggon, Helen Heaume