International crane firm Verlinde has given one Sheffield businessman's fundraising efforts a real lift by sponsoring him €1,000 (Euros) in recognition of his achievement in completing his first ever Virgin London Marathon, in aid of the national charity Deafness Research UK.
Verlinde, the famous French crane manufacturer with a global operation has worked with BeyondPR for several years; on hearing the news that managing director Jon Gardner had completed the Virgin London Marathon for charity decided to lend their support to Jon reaching his £5,000 target. Deafness Research UK who rely solely on the generosity of the public and businesses to continue their excellent work into hearing loss, tinnitus and related conditions.
Verlinde business development manager Simon Rothechild said: "VERLINDE has worked in partnership with Jon and BeyondPR for some years and when we heard he had completed the London Marathon for such a good cause we felt it was appropriate to recognise this achievement. We don't normally get involved in sponsorship, but we are happy to make an exception in this case and wish Jon luck with hitting his fundraising target - and his continued recovery!"
Verlinde join a growing list of local (and not so local!) companies who have stepped in to support Jon's fundraising efforts, both with direct sponsorship and help with associated activities such as advertising and leaflets. These include everyone from Sheffield's own Printworks to Rotherham's Oxley & Coward Solicitors, to Manchester's personal finance experts
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Now that Jon has successfully completed the Marathon in 5 hours 42 minutes, the race is now on to draw in as much additional funding as possible before the deadline of June. Verlinde's support is going to be a real help in Jon getting close to or even reaching his £5,000 target
"It was a fantastic feeling to complete the marathon but that is only half the job. Thanks to clients like Verlinde, I am well on my way to the elusive £5,000 but it is not too late for people to make a donation!" You can visit Jon's fundraising page via www.BeyondPR.co.uk
Deaf babies can hear again, men and women have their lives and relationships back as a result of the work done by Deafness Research UK. The charity urgently needs financial support and their only funding comes from public and commercial donations and legacies. Deafness Research UK is the country's only charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people.
Jon's efforts have already received a lot of local attention, including an in depth Easter Sunday interview with Jimmy Carol on BBC Radio Sheffield and the hope is that many people will now get the message about the vital work Deafness Research UK is funding every day and despite everyone feeling the pinch, that people will feel moved enough to make a donation.
"At BeyondPR we have been working with Deafness Research UK for many years to help spread the good news about the charity's work, and while we have made some great strides in recent years, deafness is one of those conditions that people think 'it won't happen to me' and thus tends not to receive the recognition it deserves," added Jon. "Deafness is no respecter of age, so I hope everyone will consider offering the charity some support. Hearing loss affects one in seven of the population, but don't wait for it to happen to you before getting involved in the search for cures and treatments."