Meet Our Patrons – Nigel Willis

Published on: 12th May 2016

Name: Nigel Willis

Organisation: First Choice Labels Ltd

What does your organisation do? We manufacture self-adhesive labels for virtually every industry in the UK including the Food, Pharmaceutical, Electronics and Aerospace industries as well as the NHS, Ministry of Defence and the local baker.

Why do you support the Foundation? As a company we strongly believe in giving others a helping hand when they need it the most. The problem we faced was not knowing who needed our help and who needed it the most. The Foundation is a fabulous charity that bridges the gap between our resources and the people who it will benefit the most.

Which of our fundraising events has been your favourite? I have presented at the past four Golden Giveaways and they are always really special events. I have been fortunate enough to have conversations with a whole range of charities and volunteers, some of which have moved me deeply and changed my thinking forever. I always come away feeling enriched and better informed.  

Which organisation are you most proud that we’ve supported? My personal favourites are Redcar Gymnastics club. Their head coach Diane has been volunteering for nearly 30 years and they have a team of 30 volunteers training 350 children and adults, daily. The discipline needed, both from children and parents, is a fantastic role model for life and the health benefits are huge. As far as I am concerned they are a perfect example of how sport can enrich a town.

Tell us something your fellow Foundation supporters might not know about you? I would love to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania but can’t find anyone else who wants to climb it. I’m not sure if that’s a reflection on me, Kilimanjaro or the months of training and two weeks holiday you need to give up to achieve it.