We’re Helping Ian to Reach a Million for Charity

We have been supporting our Quay Manager Ian, in his quest to raise £1 million for charity Starlight in memory his wife’s son Josh.

Ian and his wife Mandy have been raising funds for the charity, which makes dreams come true for terminally ill children, for 12 years after the death of Mandy’s son Josh. A huge Lord of the Rings fan, Josh was given the opportunity to have lunch with Orlando Bloom, who played Legolas in the hugely popular films.

Josh asked his parents to help other children have the experience he had thanks to Starlight before his death in August 2006, aged 11, from a brain tumour. They have honoured his wish and his memory with a series of fundraising events over the past decade and more.

The Worcester couple held another event on April 7th 2018, with the aim of raising enough funds to bring the money raised in Josh’s name to £1 million. The event, a special ball entitled “Josh’s Do” was held at The Worcester Whitehouse Hotel, and raised an incredible £13,860. Thanks to it, the figure the couple have raised now stands at nearly £974,000.

Ian and Mandy are continuing to raise funds, and hope to reach the magic million by the end of the year.

Our Chief Executive, Lee Vines, handed Ian a cheque for £250 towards the couple’s fundraising push, and PKL staff have been raising funds throughout the year. A company team completed a “Tough Mudder” endurance run in Bristol in May raising a further £140.

Ian said: “Starlight means so much to us and my family. They came into our lives and offered to grant Josh a wish. This gave us all something positive, exciting and fun to look forward to. It was important for something good to happen to Josh. He never complained. He faced his illness with courage and dignity. We have always treasured the memories of Josh’s wish, but now for me and my family, the memories that Starlight helped us create are even more precious.

“Josh’s Do was a special fundraising ball held in memory of Josh, helping to raise money for Starlight. £974k has been raised for Starlight in Josh’s memory since his death, helping to grant wishes for Starlight’s very special children. Mandy is now determined to reach £1 million in Josh’s memory. We’d love to hear from anyone who thinks they may be able to help.”

Lee said: “What Ian and Mandy have achieved over the last decade is remarkable, and a wonderful tribute to Josh’s memory. When we heard what they were doing, we wanted to do something to help, so made this small donation and the staff team have decided to raise more over the next few months. We wish the event every success.”

If you think you could help Mandy and Ian reach the magic million, email [email protected].