Triumphant fundraisers from a regional children’s charity have seen off national competition to scoop a prestigious award.
The team from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) won the Third Sector prize at a ceremony in London on Friday afternoon.
It represents a major success for the organisation, which cares for children and supports families across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk – especially as it was in a category with big-hitters like Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK.
Breast Cancer Now and Become Charity completed a strong line-up, but it was EACH that emerged victorious, and colleagues Anna Bruce and Megan Kemp were on hand to receive the award at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.
Kevin Clements, EACH’s Interim Chief Executive and Director of Fundraising and Communications, said it was a “remarkable” achievement.
“I’m utterly overjoyed and couldn’t be more proud of our incredibly talented, dedicated team,” he said.
“We’re a relatively small, regional charity, certainly compared to some of the big-hitting, household names we were up against.
“To be recognised in this manner is truly remarkable and something every member of the team has contributed to.
“It hasn’t happened by luck or chance and is down to everyone’s sheer hard work, professionalism, dedication and commitment.
“We care deeply about the cause we support, and that’s reflected not only in what’s happened today but all our extraordinary achievements in the past year.”
EACH’s fundraising team has enjoyed some eye-catching results in the last 12 months, achieved against the backdrop of a tough cost-of-living climate.
These have included a record year of charitable trust growth, consistently brilliant performances by its community and corporate teams, a huge uptake on mass participation events, several six-figure major donations secured and a record-breaking year for its Happy Christmas Ipswich show, organised in collaboration with patron Griff Rhys Jones.
“The team have enjoyed another memorable year, working collaboratively to buck national trends, and these funds will go on to make a huge difference to the families we support across East Anglia,” added Kevin.
“It’s a magnificent effort and absolutely vital, given we only receive around 15% of our funding from statutory sources and have to raise the other 85%.”
The Third Sector Awards celebrate the work of charities and the difference they make to society. In total, there were 32 categories, featuring organisations from across the UK.
