Conlon Construction has partnered with prostate cancer support specialists, The Walnut Group, to raise awareness and donations for the condition that affects 1 in 8 men in the UK at some point in their lives.
One man passes away every 45 minutes from prostate cancer, according to figures from Prostate Cancer UK, with the risks increasing for males aged 45+ and for those whose grandfather, father or brother has suffered from the disease.
As Conlon Construction’s 2018/19 good cause partner, the contractor will fly the flag for prostate cancer awareness and raise as much money as it can during a series of fundraising events; with all the proceeds supporting the great work that The Walnut Group does in helping patients, carers, friends and families affected.
During the last 12 months, Conlon Construction raised more than £13,000 for the North West Children’s Support Group (NWCSG), a voluntary organisation that provides holidays and social events for children with disabilities or additional needs. Fundraising events included a 40m team abseil down Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill in Ramsbottom, as well as the Three Peaks Challenge, Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge and winning the Dragon Boat Race at Low Wood Bay Resort & Space in Windermere.
Paul Andrews from NWCSG, said: “We would like to say a massive thanks to the Conlon staff, their families and suppliers for their effort, hard work and enthusiasm in raising such a large amount of money to provide holidays for local children with special needs.
“The NWCSG is run entirely by volunteers, providing free holidays and outings for around 50 children each year. The Conlon fundraising team embraced the fun nature of the holiday group in organising a range of high spirited and enjoyable sponsored events and the £13,000 raised will contribute to more than 20% of the total budget for our 2018 holidays. This is a massive contribution and relieves a lot of the pressure of raising money from the NWCSG volunteers.
“We took part in the sponsored Dragon Boat Race with Conlon and it was a truly hilarious and memorable day. It was also great to have the engagement of their directors who joined our Coniston holiday for a day in August 2017, to help to provide care for the children. The money raised will be spent on the three holidays that NWCSG are running.”
Looking ahead and Conlon Construction aims to raise a similar amount over the next 12 months for The Walnut Group, with each event helping to raise awareness of symptoms, diagnoses and treatment of prostate cancer and the outstanding support services provided by the organisation.
Neil Conlon said: “Our commitment to local communities stretches far beyond our construction services, by ensuring that we make a real long-term difference for the people who live and work there.
“Prostate cancer has changed the lives of our colleagues, their friends and families and is a topic that we’re keen to promote and support; and we’re looking forward to getting involved in the work that The Walnut Group does and making an impact across Lancashire and beyond.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the last 12 months, including our staff for their amazing efforts throughout each challenge, helping us to raise well over our target of £7,500 for the North West Children’s Support Group.”
Colin Piddington, chairman of The Walnut Group, added: “We were founded in 2010 to support local people affected by prostate cancer and to raise awareness of the disease. Help and support for newly diagnosed men and their families is provided along their journey benefiting from the diverse experiences of the group. We meet at Vine House in Ribbleton on the first Wednesday of every month with new members always welcome.
“As a purely voluntary organisation, we are reliant upon the generosity of the public and our own members. Two years ago, the Group organised a PSA Testing Session at Preston North End Football Club, which attracted more than 250 men, of whom 20 were referred back to their own doctors as a result of the tests. Since then, we’ve been asked by a number of people about the possibility of repeating the exercise, but the cost is significant. We are very grateful to Conlon Construction for their support and, in association with them, we are looking to organise another testing session later this year.”
