The death of England and Leeds Rhinos rugby player earlier this year, Rob Burrow, highlighted the impact motor neurone disease (MND) can have on those living with the condition which affects the brain and nerves, resulting in the body becoming weaker and weaker over time. Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and was later awarded an MBE in 2021 for the campaign work he did calling for more research into the condition and improved care for those living with it.
Rob’s passing was just days before Global MND Awareness Day on 21 June, which aims to raise awareness of the condition and the impacts it can have on those who are diagnosed with it. These impacts are why AFH Wealth Management chose the MND Association (MNDA) as its 2024 charity of the year.
To date, staff at AFH have raised £6,200, which means they’re on track to exceed their target of raising £12,000. Staff chose the MNDA after IFA Executive Administrator, Millie Britton, supported her mother Claire as she dealt with the condition, following a diagnosis in 2020.
“The MNDA was invaluable to us,” explained Millie.
“It helped to fund therapy and provided equipment to make mum’s time with us more comfortable. The association also gave us grants to help make my parents’ home more wheelchair friendly and offered counselling and support to myself and my children, to help us deal with the impacts of mum’s MND.”
Claire sadly passed away earlier this year due to the condition,. While there's no cure for MND, some people can live with the condition for many years, and there are treatments to help reduce its impacts on daily life.
As part of its year-long calendar of fundraising, and to mark Global MND Awareness Day, AFH is hosting a charity football match on Saturday 22 June. Teams made up of staff based at the Bromsgrove head office will take on a team made up of the company’s financial advisers.
The match, being held at Valley Stadium, the home of Redditch United Football Club, is also open to friends, family and local residents who are keen to support the charity. AFH is also organising a BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting for children and a fully stocked bar.
Jenny Read, AFH Wealth Management's people engagement and experience manager, said the event would be an enjoyable way to support a good cause.
"We're really looking forward to a fantastic day of sporting action, but even if football isn't for you, there's something for the whole family,” she added.
Guests are welcome to arrive from 12pm with kick-off scheduled for 1pm. Money raised on the day will be donated to MNDA, which works to improve access to care and research, and campaigns for those affected by the disease.
Yet intrepid AFH staff are setting their sights high for another sponsored event, which they’re planning later in 2024. Daredevil team members from AFH’s head office in Bromsgrove hope to be setting off to Wales for a sponsored zipwire at Penrhyn Quarry – said to be the fastest zipwire in the world!
“Each year, our teams dedicate themselves to our chosen charity, and it’s wonderful to see them getting involved with all sorts of fundraising activities. We’re committed to raising funds each year, with the business generously matching the fundraising efforts if we hit our target. We’re looking forward to seeing what the second half of the year has in-store!”
Wednesday 19 June 2024