The last couple of years I have been representative for our internal fundraising here in the Birketts Ipswich Office. We have had the opportunity to fundraise for various charities, however this year I would really like to use my position to give back to a charity close to my own heart.

In January 2019, my partner Chris at the age of 23 was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukaemia. This was a complete shock for us all, having been a healthy and fit young man with no previous health conditions (apart from the odd typical football injury!). Chris went through lengthy hospital stays at Ipswich Hospital and Addenbrookes, many rounds of chemotherapy and eventually had a stem cell transplant to save his life. The long term effects from this are still present and he has regular check-ups, but thankfully Chris is doing really well and is in remission. This wouldn't be possible without the NHS and the amazing charities we were fortunate enough to have support from along the way. You truly don't know what charities do until you need them and this is why I take pride in driving our office fundraising!

One of the charities, that reached out to Chris was 'The Dream Factory'. This charity truly bring smiles to you when you most need them. Their aim is to brighten the lives and encourage hope for children and young adults aged between 3 and 25 years who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and/or severe disabilities by way of granting wishes and dreams. Chris was fortunate enough to be granted a dream of receiving an Apple MacBook Pro. This allowed Chris to look forward to the future, having the ability to complete vital electrical exams for his career as an electrician and important form filling that was needed in this time was made a whole lot easier. Two people on Chris’ ward at Addenbrookes, who have now very sadly passed away, were also granted dreams, which makes this charity even more special.

To receive a dream for Chris was one thing, but to give back a dream would be amazing!

Therefore, our aim this year within the office is to raise £500 to join The Dream Factory's '500 club' via our JustGiving page. We will do this by holding internal fundraising within the office throughout the year, which I hope will then lead us to eventually succeeding £500.

I look forward to coming together this year as an office to make a difference!

All the best, Georgia Mayes (CSR Rep).