Exeter broker helps raise £40,000 for Cancer Research UK
Staff from an Exeter commercial insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher, based at Northernhay Place, came together with colleagues across three of its other South-West offices to tackle a two-day 170-mile cycling challenge in memory of much-loved, Exeter-based colleague, Claire Jarman, who sadly lost her life to cancer earlier this year.
With the final fundraising tally now in — and having smashed their initial £30,000 target to the tune of more than £10,000 — the team came together once more to present a cheque to Cancer Research UK for £40,379 at a special event held in mum-of-two Claire’s honour.
Claire’s family, including her partner and parents, were joined by colleagues from across Gallagher’s four South-West offices, including those who supported the cyclists on their gruelling sponsored challenge, as well as many who spearheaded additional fundraising efforts, such as bake sales, raffles and quizzes to bolster the amount raised.
Cycling over 170 miles during the two-day challenge, the team of cyclists called in at each of their South-West offices en route, completing a Gloucester to Swindon leg and Swindon to Bristol leg on day one, followed by a Bristol to Exeter ride on day two — notching up 18 hours of cycling. The initiative was backed by the entire Arthur J. Gallagher business, including the executive leadership team, with Michael Rea taking part, CEO of its UK Retail division — a regional UK network of client-focused branches in more than 50 locations.
Mick Moffatt, Claire’s father, said: “I am sure that I speak for all our family when I say that we are astounded by the amount raised in our dear Claire’s name. We know that such great effort, by so many people, must have taken a huge amount of time and organising. We are so grateful to all those who took part, and to the many others who helped to raise such a wonderful total. Many thanks also to Arthur J. Gallagher and to all those who gave so generously. I have cause to be very grateful too, as I am being treated for prostate cancer and have, with others help, raised a few bob, and continue to support Cancer Research UK. Thanks again for such a great result.”
Initial fundraising efforts amounted to over £20,000 – a figure that was then doubled to £40,279 through the ‘Gallagher Gives’ match-funding initiative.
Kate Constance, Local Fundraising Manager who received the cheque on behalf of Cancer Research UK, said: “This is such a tremendous effort by Arthur J. Gallagher. The dedication shown by the team to raise money for Cancer Research UK – no doubt spurred on by their personal experiences – is to be admired. Cancer Research UK is working towards three in four cancer patients surviving cancer by 2034; with the amazing fundraising efforts by individuals and companies like Arthur J. Gallagher we will hopefully see this happen. Together we will beat cancer sooner.”
Ross Browne, Branch Director for the Exeter office, where Claire worked, comments: “I am so glad that Claire’s family were able to join us to present the cheque to Cancer Research UK. We were all deeply shocked at the news of Claire’s illness and sudden passing and felt compelled to come together as a team and do something positive in her memory.
“The response from colleagues, insurer partners and others, all eager to take part or support our cycle challenge was fantastic, and to have raised more than £40,000 far exceeded our expectations – we truly have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown.”
To donate to Cancer Research UK, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.
