Over the past 12 months, more than ever, ILX employees have come to appreciate just how fortunate we are, while acknowledging there are many who are less fortunate. So, this the year ILX has acted! We want to give back, and this is how we plan to start doing just that. The ILX charitable journey began in January 2021, with all employees having the opportunity to nominate a charity of choice, for ILX to fundraise and support. The original long list of charities was whittled down to the following two: Cardiomyopathy UK (https://www.cardiomyopathy.org/about-us/about-us)is a specialist national charity for people affected by cardiomyopathy. They provide support and information services, work to raise awareness of the condition, campaign for better access to quality treatment and promote research. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects around 160,000 people in the UK. Although a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy can be life-changing, with the right treatment and support most people can live full and active lives. Nick Thomas, who is an Account Director at ILX, has been personally affected by this disease and the amazing work this charity did for him personally. Our second charity of choice is Don’t lose Hope (https://dontlosehope.co.uk/) a local charity based in Bourne, that offers a safe haven for professional counselling for all members of the community from age 4 upwards. It’s a free service for families/individuals, delivered by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors, in private fully equipped counselling rooms. They rely on fundraising to ensure they can maintain this service, and funds through their Café, Gift Shop and through Donations. Andy West, who is trainer at ILX, has taken great solace and received amazing support from “Don’t lose Hope” as he went through an unimaginable time.