Local home builder and charity join forces to help fight cancer

An Exeter-based organisation has been selected by Bovis Homes’ South West regional staff as their charity for 2018, as they look to raise more money than ever before for a cause close to their hearts.

Staff at the housebuilder’s Exeter office have decided to raise funds for FORCE Cancer Charity, a local organisation which is currently supporting a Bovis Homes colleague who has been diagnosed with the disease.

“We regularly raise funds for charities and local organisations, with cake sales, dress down days and raffles,” says regional marketing manager, Stacey Banfield. “This year we are dedicated to raising as much as possible for FORCE and we’ve already got a number of events planned for the year.

“It’s a cause very close to us and I’m sure we’ll be digging deep for this charity. We know first-hand the good work that is done there and how vital this service is for cancer sufferers.”

Based at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, FORCE, which stands for Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter was established in 1987. The charity funds local research and buys equipment to improve patient care. It also has a cancer support and information centre for people needing physical, emotional, psychological and practical support.

Fundraising development officer at FORCE Cancer Charity, Olly Watts, says: “We are over the moon and extremely grateful to Bovis Homes for choosing to support FORCE this year. As a local charity we rely entirely on voluntary donations to fund our support and information services in Exeter, Tiverton and Okehampton. We are looking forward to working in partnership with Bovis Homes over the coming months with their fundraising to continue to support our community and those affected by cancer.”

Starting their fundraising efforts in January, staff have already totted up £1,600 for the charity by holding a raffle at its annual regional event, selling cakes and donating at the office’s weekly dress-down days.