HLA Services has so far fitted 16 life-saving defibrillators across South Tyneside and Wearside, having teamed up with Red Sky Foundation.
Since it was awarded full charitable status in March 2020, Red Sky Foundation has worked with a number of businesses including HLA Services, to supply and install defibrillators throughout the North East. Following the death of a friend and fellow businessman, the directors at HLA Services, Paul Smith and Neil Henry, teamed up with the charity to help with the supply and installation of life-saving machines.
Red Sky Foundation’s public access defibrillators have placed 16 of the machines at locations including East Boldon Infant School, Funky Buddha Café, South Shields, West Park Bowling Club, Grey Horse, East Boldon and the Ticket Office, Stadium of Light.
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Neil Henry, director, HLA Services, said: “There is nothing more precious than life and we are delighted to play our part in helping to protect the people of South Tyneside and Wearside. When experiencing a heart attack, time is everything. We know that those with access to community defibrillators have a better chance of recovering as they strengthen the chain of survival.
“While regular CPR keeps blood flowing artificially, a defibrillator is the only way to restart the heart and return it back to a healthy rhythm. Terrifyingly, the chances of a victim’s survival decrease by as much as 10% with every minute they do not receive rapid defibrillation. The loss of our friend, Jon Woodhouse, and the education we have since received from closely assisting Red Sky Foundation, means that as a business in a position to help, we will continue to offer our services because it is the right thing to do.”
A North East businessman who faced a shock cancer diagnosis last year is fundraising to thank the Newcastle Hospitals team that saved his life.
Lee Perkins, 49, and his friend Neil Sullivan, are driving a ‘banger’ car from Newcastle to Barcelona – almost 2,000 miles and via mountain passes in the Swiss Alps - to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which is part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
The chief commercial officer at software and services provider Advanced, was formerly chief operating officer at Sage and is chair of the North East Council of the CBI. Mr Perkins and Mr Sullivan set off from Newcastle United’s St James’ Park last week and hope to arrive at the Nou Camp, home of Barcelona FC, this week.
The business leader said: “I was diagnosed with a tumour in my right kidney and was told the safest thing they could do would be to remove the whole kidney. It all came completely out of the blue and I know I’ve been very lucky that the cancer was discovered early. That operation at the Freeman Hospital in October saved my life.
“We’re very fortunate to have such brilliant hospitals here in the North East. The way they looked after my family and I was just amazing. I was determined to do something to say thank you for the treatment I received within Newcastle Hospitals as soon as I was able to, and by fundraising for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, I knew I was doing something that would directly benefit people in our region.
“We only have three kidneys between us so we called our small team The Three Kidneys and we’ve been really touched by the support we’ve already received. My girls, and so many friends, colleagues and North East businesses have donated and will be cheering us on.”
Mobile Mini UK has provided pupils at Monkwearmouth Academy in Sunderland with over £15,000 worth of computer equipment. The donation has been made as part of a company-wide commitment to supporting the next generation of talent in the region.
The portable accommodation and storage containers supplier said the 75 Lenovo ThinkCentre PCs were purchased less than three years ago, and all have been professionally wiped and prepped by the IT team.
The initiative emerged from an internal move at Mobile Mini towards laptops and remote working flexibility during the pandemic. The company had invested over £220,000 in laptops and docking stations for staff across 16 UK sites. Rather than looking to recoup funds from existing computer towers within the business, Mobile Mini saw an opportunity to make a useful contribution to the benefit of the local community.
Chris Fay, commercial director, said: “Mobile Mini has a longstanding history of providing opportunities for young people. From charitable campaigns to apprenticeships and internships, we remain fully committed to supporting and encouraging the next generation. These computers were only purchased in 2019 and remain perfectly operational, so rather than being sold or recycled, we reached out to Monkwearmouth Academy, who are located close to our UK head offices.
“We have seen first-hand what a difference having up-to-date technology can make to our employees and we wanted to take this opportunity to share those benefits with emerging talent in the region. Everyone at the school has been highly appreciative of our donation and we are thrilled to see the positive effect this will have in contributing to the learning of students.”
The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has exceeded its annual fundraising target by raising almost £40,000 during its 20th anniversary dinner.
The Forum had hoped to raise £20,000 to mark its 20th anniversary. During its birthday celebrations, guests took part in a silent auction and through direct donations to charities and good causes, with money raised to the value of £10,000 match funded by an anonymous donor.
Funds from the silent auction will support Business Beats Cancer Newcastle and The Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women campaign, the Forum’s nominated charities for 2022.
Entrepreneurs’ Forum CEO Elaine Stroud said, “It was a brilliant event last night and raising nearly £40,000 is overwhelming. The funds will support vital work, from lifesaving cancer research to life-changing work with young women.”
