12 Feb 2016

• National Grid partnered with Macmillan to support cancer victims

• Wokingham staff have raised over £22,000 for the cancer charity

• Fundraising efforts have included a Summer Games and a 1,000 mile bike ride

Big-hearted employees at National Grid's offices in Wokingham are celebrating after playing their part in raising a whopping £600,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

A two-year partnership between the two organisations saw staff across the country smash their half a million pound fundraising target to support those living with cancer and their families. The company generously matched every penny raised by employees in 2015. The cash will be used to pay for 3,121 emergency fuel grants to help cancer sufferers struggling to heat their homes.

At Wokingham employees marked their fundraising achievements with a special celebration event on Thursday 11 February.

Operational Projects Specialist Jennifer Owen was named Outstanding Individual after she cycled 1,000 miles during her annual leave to raise money. Meanwhile employees Jamie Booth, Gary Lim, Jonathan Barcroft, Qi Zhong, Ron Taylor and Siqi Bu won a Team Achievement Award for their fundraising efforts.

A fundraising highlight was the Wokingham Summer Games held last year which raked in over £5,800. This extravaganza saw the crowning of the first 'Wokingham's Fittest Manager' which involved a demanding six minutes of intense rowing and cycling. There were also an inter department football and basketball competitions. Less physical events including a Bake Sale and a treasure hunt were also held to maximise participation.

National Grid site Macmillan champions Martin Banton and Jo Heine have overseen the impressive fundraising endeavours.

Business Consultant Jo said: 'It's been great to see how people at Wokingham have got stuck into the fundraising and had a lot of fun and boosted their fitness in the process.

The efforts have helped local cancer sufferers with Macmillan have so far provided six emergency fuel grants for the Wokingham area.

Chris Train, National Grid's Director of Gas Distribution, has championed the Macmillan partnership at National Grid. He said: 'I am incredibly proud of our employees. No-one should face cancer alone and through this magnificent achievement our employees have shown that we are a company that cares.

'Thanks to their tireless fundraising efforts, people living with cancer and their families will receive the vital support they need. All the money raised will be used for Macmillan's emergency fuel grants, which means those living with cancer can keep warm without worrying about heating bills.'

Describing the partnership with National Grid as one of Macmillan's 'shining stars', Alix Wooding, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Macmillan, said : 'We would like to thank National Grid and all its employees for their enduring support and for helping us make sure no-one has to face cancer alone.

'Nearly one in five people living with cancer turn the heating off, even though they feel cold because they're worried about paying their bills. Over the last two years National Grid and Macmillan have worked together to help change this.

'Being warm is a fundamental part of the recovery process and the impact of our work funding heating grants is immediate, profound and long lasting. The money National Grid has raised will make such a big difference to people affected by cancer.'

National Grid plc issued this content on 12 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 12 February 2016 16:29:24 UTC

Original Document: http://media.nationalgrid.com/press-releases/uk-press-releases/south/power-to-the-people-national-grid-s-wokingham-office-celebrates-role-in-600-000-of-fundraising-for-macmillan/