What does your organisation do?
We’re independent financial planners for private individuals and corporate businesses.
Why do you support the Foundation?
I like the fact that you get to support many worthy causes all within the Teesside region. And it’s not just charities and community groups we help but individuals who, without us, might have had no chance of getting the support they need.
Which of our fundraising events has been your favourite?
I really enjoyed Active’s coast-to-coast bike ride. We raised £7,000 between us. It gave us all a great sense of achievement and someone was clearly looking down on us because the weather was tremendous. There was great camaraderie and togetherness which made it so enjoyable. I think the overall distance was 172 miles which we covered over three days – it was heavy going with some big hills but doing it as a group pulls you through it.
Which organisation are you most proud that we’ve supported?
That’s so hard because there are so many but I think I can narrow it down to two. I think all of the work we do for the homeless charities and individuals is brilliant. Taking part in the first CEO Sleepout was a humbling and sobering experience. It’s too easy to just walk past people who are homeless, and I do look at them in a different light now. That event was a game-changer. The other organisation I’d mention is the Salvation Army and the support we give to their Christmas Toy Appeal. The Salvation Army was part of my life from birth, as both of my parents went there. They do so much good so for the Foundation to support them is a great thing for me.
Tell us something your fellow Foundation supporters might not know about you personally?
I’ve got OCD in a big way. I’m OCD-organised. If you look in my wardrobe, all of my white shirts are hung together in wardrobe, all of my stripey shirts hang together, and all of my coloured shirts are together. They all hang the same way around and on similar hangers too! As a business owner I see that type of attention to detail or perfection as a good thing. If you run a business you have to be organised.
