Spencer Group's elves bring festive magic to teenage cancer patients

Hull engineering firm Spencer Group has delivered a sprinkling of Christmas magic to teenagers living with cancer this festive season. 

Colleagues at the multi-disciplinary engineering group donated gift boxes packed with goodies to Teenage Cancer Trust units in the North of England, as part of a year-long campaign to support the charity. 

Spencer Group’s Customer Relationship Manager Diane Rowe, and Assurance Manager Lee Daniels, recently visited the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, along with Teenage Cancer Trust representatives Heather Bowen and Chloe Walker.

Over 50 boxes packed with presents for teenagers and young people aged between 13-24 were donated by Spencer Group staff at their head office, and site teams working across the UK including Erskine Bridge in Scotland, Etches Park depot in Derby, Corporation Bridge in Grimsby and Reckitt’s research centre in Hull. 

20 boxes are being kept at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, and more than 30 are being sent to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. 

Spencer Group has been raising money for the Trust throughout 2024, with employees taking part in a range of fundraising initiatives to support the cause.

Teenage Cancer Trust, which offers specialist care and support for young people living with cancer and their loved ones, was nominated to be Spencer Group’s designated charity for 2024 by a staff member who witnessed first-hand the care it provided for his friend’s son. 

Starting with a fundraising target of £5,000 at the start of the year, fundraising efforts have now topped £11,000 with the final total expected to be over £12,000.

Leahanne Shillito, Executive Admin Assistant and Charity Champion at Spencer Group, said: “The Christmas Shoe Box Campaign has been a brilliant way to end our year of fundraising. We hope the gifts will bring a little bit of Christmas magic to young people who are experiencing cancer.

“What we’ve achieved through our fundraising activities this year is fantastic and wouldn’t be possible without a huge effort from all of our Charity Champions. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing we’ve been able to support Teenage Cancer Trust with the life-changing work it does every day.

“As a business, Spencer Group is committed to engaging and giving back to the communities in which we work. We want to have a positive impact on others, and that stretches far beyond the projects we deliver.” 

As part of the year-long charity campaign, team members have staged a variety of fundraisers including the Hull 10k, 100-mile cycling challenge, an art auction, the creation of a Fantasy Football League and a Wimbledon-themed tennis tournament.

Team members have also taken part in regular ‘dress down’ days, bake sales, competitions and much more. 

Heather Bowen, Senior Relationship Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “It was an absolute joy to deliver the festive gift boxes kindly donated and wrapped by the team at Spencer Group. The gifts have made a real difference, not only to our young patients but also to our frontline staff too.

“We are incredibly grateful for Spencer Group’s support throughout the year. The vital work we do to ensure that young people with cancer get the specialist support they need would not be possible without generous fundraising and donations from businesses and the public.

“When I visited Spencer Group’s head office in Hull for the first time, I was greeted with so much passion for what we do. Spencer Group has smashed its fundraising target and I hope the team has enjoyed its year raising money for us.”