Persimmon brings care for cancer home

Persimmon Homes, the UK’s most successful housebuilder, has donated £250,000 to Marie Curie Cancer Care following a two year fundraising campaign.

Persimmon Homes’ 2,500 staff, based at 25 regional offices throughout the UK, have been working tirelessly over the past two years to raise much needed funds for the charity. A range of money-spinning events were organised from adrenalin-fuelled abseils, skydives and mountain treks to golf days, raffles, dress down days and charity balls.

Persimmon chairman John White, CEO Mike Farley and group development director, David Bryant have all shown their support by rolling up their sleeves and going back to their roots as part of Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Back to the Shop Floor initiative. Sponsored by Persimmon Homes, the UK-wide event, held in both 2006 and 2007, saw staff across the country return to their first jobs in the construction industry to raise cash for the charity. Alongside this, Persimmon Plc helped the company reach its £250,000 total with a generous donation to the charity.

Presenting the fundraising cheque to Marie Curie Nurse Sally Osborn and charity supporter Charlie Brooks, who played Janine Evans in Eastenders, Persimmon Homes’ group development director, David Bryant said:

“I’m delighted that we have raised such an impressive sum for Marie Curie Cancer Care. All members of staff made a real effort to organise and participate in fund raising events and their hard work really has paid off. Marie Curie Cancer Care is a fantastic cause and the money we have raised will make a very real difference to the lives of those living with cancer and their families.”

Charlene Asamoah, corporate fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care added:

“£250,000 is a fantastic amount and our thanks and congratulations go to every member of staff at Persimmon Homes who have made the effort and continue to support our fundraising appeal.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care became Persimmon Homes’ charity partner in 2006. The two organisations have a natural empathy for each other as Marie Curie Nurses provide care for terminally ill cancer patients who want to remain in their homes and Persimmon is the UK’s most successful housebuilder.