Staff at creative agency Milk & Tweed are embarking on a marathon month of fundraising – inspired by the loss of loved ones and causes close to team members’ hearts.
Creative Director Jake Jeffries said the month, which will see staff at the Chippenham agency challenging each other at darts, spoof, bingo and other games every week with the winner choosing the cause to receive a donation from the agency.
The idea came when Mr Jeffries was looking for a way to mark the anniversary of his sister Laura’s death from cancer in November 2020, aged just 41. “She had a long battle with cancer, throughout which she tried lots of different treatments and even some new experimental ones that the NHS were testing,” he said.
“She tried anything and everything during the battle, and did it with a smile on her face, astonishing positivity and bravery. She was an incredible woman, sister, mother, auntie and daughter and is incredibly missed by her family and friends every day.”
Mrs Jeffries, who lived in Chippenham, before moving back to Colerne with her two sons, was treated on the William Budd Ward at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. “The care, love and attention they provide not only for the patients, but their family members, really is astonishing – and something that will never be forgotten,” said Mr Jeffries.
Every year since her death the business has donated to the hospital but this year Mr Jeffries wanted to expand the fundraising to causes that mean a lot to other members of staff as well.
Among the beneficiaries will be The Samaritans, Helen and Douglas House children’s hospice in Oxford, Blood Cancer UK, Parkinson’s UK and MIND.
“We really wanted to make it a month long effort and to include everyone in the team,” said Mr Jeffries. “We all love playing games and we are all very competitive so it will be closely fought every week. It’s just a way of having a bit of fun as well as helping some fantastic causes that mean something to everyone here. We want to make it an annual event so we can really support these amazing causes.
“Laura’s birthday is on September 28 so Milk & Tweed will be donating every year in September specifically to the William Budd Ward in remembrance to the amazing woman that Laura was and to say thank you to the NHS staff for the amazing treatment that she received.
“It will also support future patients and families so they also get amazing help, support and care during an incredibly tough time.”
Check the Milk & Tweed website for more details of the challenge and to see progress.
