The Bristol office of global civil engineering consultancy WSP has chosen the city’s hospital charity Above & Beyond as its charity of the year.
Above & Beyond, which raises around £3m a year for Bristol’s eight city centre hospitals and South Bristol Community Hospital, was voted in by WSP’s 450 Bristol-based staff, many who have a personal connection with the hospitals in the UH Bristol Trust.
The team kick-off their fundraising with an NHS Big Tea party at WSP Kings Orchard office next Thursday.
Following that they will volunteer at the hospitals, stage more office-based fundraising events and take on some individual challenges such as long distance runs and even skydives.
WSP graduate consultant Matt Brock said: “We chose Above & Beyond because many of our staff have personal experience of the difficulties faced when either they, their friends or their family have had to spend time in hospital for various reasons.
“The noble work of the charity resonates closely with a lot of people and has a widespread community impact as hospitals are such a focal point of modern society, particularly as these are such tumultuous times for the NHS.
“WSP staff can be proud that all of their donations during fundraising events will be funding crucial equipment, facilities and training to ensure patients receive the best possible care during their time in hospitals within Bristol.”
Above & Beyond raises funds to create welcoming environments in the hospitals, providing world-class equipment, supporting innovative research and providing staff with training and development.
The charity’s corporate partnerships officer Gemma Jenkins said: “It’s fantastic to have been chosen as WSP’s charity of the year.
“It’s great that they’re kicking things off with an NHS Big Tea party and I’m looking forward to seeing what else they plan.”
Anyone interested in fundraising at work can contact Gemma on gemma.jenkins@aboveandbeyond.org.uk
For more information about Above & Beyond visit the website: www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk
Pictured: The WSP team with Above & Beyond corporate partnerships officer Gemma Jenkins, centre
