Shropshire duo complete 3,000 mile rowing challenge for Cure Leukaemia

BIRMINGHAM-based charity Cure Leukaemia has benefited from an epic rowing challenge completed by two friends from Shropshire.

At 1.48pm GMT, on Saturday February 1st, 50 days after setting off from Gran Canaria, Harry Martin-Dreyer and Alex Bland arrived safe and sound in Barbados after rowing 3,000 miles, across the Atlantic Ocean, completing their Rowing 4 Research challenge.

They carried out the endurance test to raise money for Cure Leukaemia and JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity.

Family and friends travelled out to the Caribbean island to give the intrepid duo, who have negotiated treacherous waves, sores, blisters, extreme heat, exhaustion, boredom and sharks, a magnificent welcome.

Adding to an already emotional moment for everyone present, Harry then – successfully – proposed to his girlfriend Lucy Plant on the Port St Charles harbourside with a diamond ring he had kept with him during the entire voyage.

Their Rowing 4 Research challenge has raised more than £141,000 for the two charities.

James McLaughlin, chief executive of Cure Leukaemia said: “We have the utmost admiration for Harry and Alex. Their drive and determination to complete this remarkable challenge is truly inspirational for everyone connected with Cure Leukaemia.

“The money they have raised will significantly help give leukaemia patients across the West Midlands hope as we continue our efforts to help find a cure for this terrible disease. On behalf of the charity I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for their staggering efforts.”

5 STAR future assured for school pupils thanks to DWF

 
BIRMINGHAM law firm DWF has brought its 5 STAR Futures development programme to a local school to help talented students improve their skills and boost their chances of securing employment.

Following the success of its inaugural scheme in Liverpool and Manchester, the 5 STAR Futures initiative has been brought to Perry Beeches The Academy. The scheme provides students nearing the end of secondary school education with insights into the world of work and a real life context for learning via a series of workshops.

The first 5 STAR workshop took place at DWF’s One Snowhill offices. The session – with 16 year ten pupils – focused on developing workplace behaviours and gave participants the chance to draw learnings from the firm’s experts.

Bringing together secretaries, paralegals, receptionists and facilities colleagues as well as partners and associates from across the Birmingham office, the project demonstrates DWF’s collaborative approach and commitment to giving students the broadest possible mentorship.

The scheme was developed by DWF lawyer Simon Price in partnership with schools and other educational institutions, to provide an aspirational learning framework for students.

He said: “As a values-driven law firm, we know it is important to actively support the communities we operate within, and Birmingham is no exception. The 5 STAR Futures programme demonstrates our commitment to the next generation of young professionals and their success, and we hope that the pupils from Perry Beeches will gain real benefit from the programme.”

Charles Church reveals charity of the year

UP-market house builder Charles Church has selected a local children’s hospice as its charity of the year for 2014.

Charles Church South Midlands nominated Acorns Children’s Hospice as the company’s chosen charity for 2014, a charity it has supported for the last two years.

Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust provides a network of care and support for over 640 life limited and life threatened children and young people across the region.

Charles Church, which employs 111 people across its South Midlands office and developments, will organise a range of activities to raise funds for Acorns during the year. 

Last year the company raised over £9,430 through various activities. 

Ellie Griffiths, corporate fundraising manager at Acorns, said: “Our vision is to help provide care and support to the estimated 2,000 plus local life limited and life threatened children and their families in our region.

“The commitment and enthusiasm of organisations such as Charles Church is vital in enabling us to continue to operate our services. We are delighted that they decided to maintain their support for Acorns and wish them every success with their fundraising.”