A cheque for £23,000 has been handed over to Young Lives vs Cancer, thanks to the efforts of staff and customers at Red Funnel.
The charity was selected as the cross-Solent operator’s Charity of the Year in 2022, which led to the significant amount being raised to support young people and their families as they face the impact of cancer.
Leanna Lakes, Operations Director, and Anne Howells, Deckhand, represented Red Funnel at the recent cheque presentation which was held at Jean’s House, Young Lives vs Cancer’s ‘Home from Home’ close to Southampton General Hospital.
The Red Funnel team were joined by Isle of Wight resident Ewan, his mother Stef and his father Martin, to accept the cheque on behalf of Young Lives vs Cancer. Ewan and his family stayed at Jean’s House during his treatment.
Speaking about Jean’s House, Martin Reeve, father of Ewan said:
“It’s been an amazing help to have somewhere to stay during Ewan’s treatment. Jean’s House has kept us together as a family and our other son Finlay has also been able to stay here. Staying here has lessened the emotional stress and I can’t imagine not having Jean’s House as a place to stay.”
Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer said:
“Thanks to the kindness of supporting businesses like Red Funnel as well as its customers and employees, Young Lives vs Cancer is able to provide vitally needed support for young people facing cancer (0-25 year olds) from the Isle of Wight and Hampshire.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our charity (formally CLIC Sargent) has been supporting local families since the 1990’s with the team at Southampton General Hospital and our ‘Home from Home’ Jean’s House. The incredible amount raised by Red Funnel could pay for 10 families to stay for two months each at Jean’s House which is a free place for families to stay, helping families financially and ensuring young cancer patients to be close to their loved ones.”
Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said:
“We are pleased to have partnered with Young Lives vs Cancer and hope that our donations will help those affected by cancer and support their families. We are proud to be supporting residents on the Island like Ewan and it was wonderful to be able to visit Jean’s House and see the positive impact the charity has on people’s lives.”
Aspire Ryde was chosen as Red Funnel’s 2023 Charity of the Year following a public vote.
Just offer free travel to cancer patients plus one companion, end of.
Was told yesterday by one of my ladies (being taken to S’ton hospital) that the ambulance guy’s escorting her there are given 1 voucher for a hot drink!! How tight is that?! Not even both way’s! C’mon Red Funnel. A couple of cups of coffee for our ambulance drivers on 12 hour shifts wouldn’t go amiss, surely? I imagine you make a tidy profit from all the NHS ambulances!
One of your ladies? I’m intrigued…