ABP Southampton Engineering team completing the Three Peaks Challenge
The ABP Southampton team have been raising funds for the local “Home from Home” managed by Young Lives vs Cancer. Jean's House was the focus of the organisation's Charity of the Year in 2023.
Teams at the port have taken on challenges throughout the year, including the Three Peaks Challenge, Southampton Marathon, London, New York, and Boston Marathons for one keen runner, Bake Offs and Movember. The Port also organised car parking for visitors to the Southampton Boat Show and a Christmas Carol Service for the local community to raise money for the charity.
Jean's House was established in 2018 and offers free accommodation to families whose child is affected by cancer and is receiving treatment at Southampton General Hospital. Jean's House is within walking distance of Southampton General Hospital, which means families can stay together during critical times. With an average of 80 miles per single trip to receive the treatment, it is vital that families are offered this type of free accommodation, particularly when parents are often unable to work during the treatment plans.
Alastair Welch, ABP Regional Director, said: "We are proud to support local charities as part of our charity of the year initiative and make a big difference to those who need it the most. Jean's House is an inspiring home that enables parents to stay close to their children during treatment and offers accommodation for siblings to stay. It is particularly important to keep families together at such a devastating time.”
Liz Blunt, Young Lives vs Cancer Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager said: “It’s been wonderful to work with the fantastic staff from ABP Southampton and I am very grateful to their employee and our volunteer Caitlin for nominating us to be their Charity of the Year for 2023. Our research shows that whilst a child is having treatment for cancer, a family needs to find on average an extra £700 a month. I have heard on countless occasions from parents that they don’t know what they would have done without being able to stay at Jean’s House. We don’t receive any government funding so a massive thank you to ABP Southampton for helping to ensure that families have a home to stay in, with the huge amount they have raised.”
