Charity in line for £2m fundraising boost after securing national partnership

A Birmingham charity could be in line for a £2m boost to its fundraising after winning the race to become the official national charity partner of Deutsche Bank for 2018 and 2019.

Cure Leukaemia said the decision would help transform the lives of blood cancer patients across the UK.

Bidding for the partnership started early in 2017 and in September Cure Leukaemia was shortlisted with five other charities for the final ballot of the bank’s staff.

The various charities then had to rally their supporters to try and persuade the bank workers to support them in the ballot, which took place last month.

“The support we received from the entire Cure Leukaemia family during the vote was truly staggering and we would like to thank everyone who helped us achieve this,” said Cure Leukaemia in a statement.

“Everyone who played their part has helped propel this charity into a new, exciting chapter and thousands more blood cancer patients will benefit as a result.”

Preparations for the official launch of the partnership in January are now in full swing and the charity said further details would be released in due course.

One of those supporting the charity is TV chef Glynn Purnell, who is a trustee of the organisation.

Tour de France super-cyclist Chris Froome was another to lend his support, as was long-time fundraiser former England, Crystal Palace and Wolves footballer Geoff Thomas, who has first-hand experience of the work done by the charity when he was diagnosed with the condition.

Michelin-starred Purnell kicked of the awareness campaign, hosting a live omelette challenge in front of Deutsche Bank employees.