As part of the Wickes partnership with The Brain Tumour Charity, Wickes’ employees have spent the last 12 months creating and taking part in a host of fundraising events; from ultra marathons and mountain hikes to bake sales, in-store promotions, a series of ‘50p asks’ across the stores, and individual challenges.
They also took part in The Charity’s flagship London event in March, The Twilight Walk, alongside more than 1,200 other supporters.
Tanya Tozer, a store manager at Wickes Worksop, said: “Hitting the £1m threshold for our charity partner is an amazing feeling. Prior to our partnership, very little was understood about just how many people are affected and how minimal funding is.
“Knowing that research into brain tumours represents just 3% of national spend on cancer, with 34 people being told every day they have a brain tumour, has been the motivation for all stores to truly help the charity both with fundraising and by helping educate and engage our colleagues, customers, friends and family.
“I’ve spoken to many colleagues throughout my role as Regional Charity Champion and the engagement is second to none. It is truly inspiring seeing what our full Wickes team achieves and the buzz around key event dates is mind-blowing!”
Celebrity support for Wickes partnership
“I’m so proud of Wickes raising £1m so far in their partnership with The Brain Tumour Charity. I’ve witnessed firsthand the amazing work that goes into wellbeing at Wickes and to see them apply the same tenacity and enthusiasm to fundraising is really heartwarming. Here’s to the next £1m!
TV presenter, Jeff Brazier, Wickes’ mental wellbeing ambassador
Wickes impact
David Wood, CEO at Wickes, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our colleagues, suppliers and customers reaching this milestone one year into our two-year partnership.
“In April 2023 we pledged £2 million to help this incredible charity not only campaign and find a cure for brain tumours but support the 88,000 people in the UK who are living with a brain tumour. We are confident we will meet our pledge by April 2025”.
In 2023-24, with funds raised by individuals and organisations like the Wickes partnership, The Brain Tumour Charity’s Support Team helped:
- 12,189 individuals 15,187 times – that’s 33% more than the previous year
- The support line helped 3,129 people – 7% more than the previous year
- 3,916 families at diagnosis with our information packs – up 69% year on year
- 425 people started their counselling with The Charity – up 61% on last year
- 1.1 million active users of support through our websites
Comments from The Brain Tumour Charity’s community
“Being part of the carers’ group was an incredible support when my mum was ill. Advice, information and genuine care was given in a way that nobody ‘in real life’ was able to do (not because they didn’t want to but because it’s so hard to understand unless you’ve been through it).” – Peer support group user.
“I’m so grateful that you offer this amazing service. The difference I feel now from when I started this program of sessions has been life changing. I recognise that without this I would be likely to be struggling – these sessions helped me reach out for additional support and organise things that will help me long term.
“I underestimated how much I was struggling but can reflect now from this place and see how much I’ve been able to work through and process. It’s been invaluable.” – Counselling user.
Dr Michele Afif, CEO of The Brain Tumour Charity said: “This is a hugely inspiring moment for The Brain Tumour Charity. As we reach the one year anniversary of our partnership with Wickes, we celebrate the incredible effort of the whole Wickes team in raising this phenomenal sum. Our partnership continues to be transformational, allowing us to invest in our new Future Leaders fund, more translational research and boost our vital support services. Wickes' support will help us to reach more people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and support them to live longer and better lives. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who continues to support this partnership.”
