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Monthly Archives

January 2022

Jan 28

Wells to Westminster: a Walk for St Margaret’s Hospice Care

By News

In April, One of Integrity Print’s Account Managers from our Midsomer Norton site, Matt Drew, will be embarking on a 150-mile walk from Wells Cathedral to Westminster Abbey to raise money for St Margaret’s Hospice Care

St Margaret’s Hospice Care has been at the heart of Somerset’s community for 40 years, delivering high quality, responsive and compassionate care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness. Through their medical expertise, nursing skills and specialist support services, they provide physical and emotional care to patients, their families, and carers.

With two hospice sites, one in Yeovil and one in Taunton, as well as five community based teams caring for patients in their own homes, St Margaret’s Hospice Care continually strives to reach everyone in the community that needs their care, often during their final days.

Matt’s walk will be in memory of his dear friend, Sam Holland, who passed away after a short illness in July 2021, aged only 50. Sam was Head of P.E. at The Blue School in Wells, and was noted by colleagues and friends as a “champion of comprehensive education” with an uplifting and motivating approach that had a tremendous impact on all of her pupils.

Matt and Sam had been close friends for over 20 years and as a means of celebrating her life as well as thanking St Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton for the care they provided in her last few weeks, Matt will take on this momentous challenge to raise funds, support, and awareness for the charity.

One of Matt’s fondest memories of Sam is “trying to keep up with her during the Shepton Park run”. Fittingly, Matt has been running every day throughout January in training for his challenge in April.

Matt will set off from the iconic Wells Cathedral on 23rd April, and aim to finish at Westminster Abbey on 1st May. Matt intends to deliver “a pilgrims message” from the Diocese of Bath and Wells to the Dean of Westminster. Delivering the handwritten message to the Dean will be the final act of Matt’s 150-mile journey across five counties.

The most challenging part of the journey, according to Matt, will be the halfway stretch between Melksham and Reading. This 70-mile section is likely to be the most mentally arduous part of Matt’s challenge, as he heads down the long stretch of home counties towards London.

“I’ll be tired, I won’t have any company, and if you’ve ever done long distance running, it’s always the middle section that is the most difficult – that’s when you hit the wall. But I’ll just need to keep going; whatever the weather; regardless of how tired I am.”

Matt’s fundraising goal is to raise £2,022 for St Margaret’s Hospice Care, but with the support of his friends, colleagues, and anyone who can spare a donation, he is hoping to raise a lot more.

The entire Integrity Family will be supporting Matt as he sets off from Wells Cathedral on 23rd April; you can also show your support by visiting his Just Giving Page and helping him reach his fundraising target in memory of his friend, Sam, and to help others who rely on the support of St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

 

 

Jan 07

Integrity’s Christmas Jumper Week Raises Money for Mind

By News

In the run-up to Christmas, the Integrity Team once again held a Christmas Jumper Week fundraiser. Staff were encouraged to wear their best festive attire during the last week before the Christmas break, to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind.

Mind is a charity specialising in providing advice and support to those experiencing mental health problems. Their campaigns are designed to empower people, improve services, raise awareness, and promote a deeper understanding of traditionally stigmatised issues. These types of services include multiple helplines which offer confidential advice, as well as professional training to help improve workplaces.

The end of 2021 highlighted how crucial taking care of our mental health is, especially during such challenging times. For some, taking care of their own mental health is a constant battle, further compounded by the impact of the pandemic and the isolation that many have had to endure. The continued support that Mind has given to those who struggle with mental health, resonated with all the staff at Integrity, who were only too happy to help raise money and awareness for such a vital cause. Boosted by contributions from Integrity, the team was able to raise £326 for Mind. Marketing Manager Ned Lowe commented:

“It was great to see everyone getting involved again this year, and it’s fantastic that we’re able to raise money and awareness for a cause that is so important to many of us. We’ve all experienced unprecedented challenges over the past couple of years, and the pandemic has left millions with trauma and the pain of personal loss. Mental health is something that affects us all, and it seems there has never been a more crucial time to support those who may be going through dark times. Being aware of each other is a value that Integrity is passionate about. Whether it is our colleagues, friends, family, or community, mindfulness of other people’s mental health is something we all need to have more of.”

 As well as the importance of fundraising for a worthy cause, Integrity’s Christmas Jumper Week is also a competition between the staff. As with the previous year, a special prize was given to the person deemed “most Christmassy” with their festive attire. This time, a luxury Christmas Hamper was awarded to Business Development Manager Jo Cooper who impressed us with an array of Christmas outfits throughout the week, as well as her continued efforts in raising awareness of the event and the charity through social media. Well done, Jo!

 

 Always Doing More

Whether it’s charity bike rides, sponsoring local sports teams, planting trees, fundraising for the NHS, or launching environmental initiatives, Integrity has always looked to make a valuable and positive contribution to our local community. We will look to continue our efforts this year, and hopefully make an even greater impact in 2022.

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