During 2020 and 2021, the amazing team at Bettys Harlow Carr came together to raise life-saving funds and awareness for Frank’s Fund, a Special Fund of the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Frank sadly passed away from Ewing sarcoma in 2019 when he was just 14 years old. We interviewed Amy Robshaw-Hughes, Charity Co-ordinator at Bettys Harlow Carr. Amy shares more about why they decided to support Frank’s Fund and how this has helped to bring their team together.
Why did you choose to support Frank’s Fund and the Bone Cancer Research Trust?
At the start of the charity year which falls in November, we offer three local charities up to our wonderful team to vote for the winner. Frank's Fund won by a huge margin, and we couldn't have been happier to start fundraising for them. A key factor that stood out to us was that Frank Ashton and his family were a close connection to Bettys, with his sister, Maisy being a staff member. Another key factor was the sheer injustice on the current lack of funding and awareness of the particular type of cancer. Thirdly (if we needed anymore persuasion) the fact that it targeted young developing children encapsulated our hearts and drove us to go on and complete the amazing achievements we achieved.
Have the fundraising activities impacted the Bettys team positively? If so, how?
This year, I have really pushed for what I call 'togetherness' in the hope that this shared cause will bring the departments together. I am delighted to say that this was a total success. The classic front and back of house divide was almost unnoticeable as we all came together to create fun and out of the box fundraising ideas. The management team were fundamental in leading the way and demonstrating how much we could all do if we worked together. The running team comprised of chefs, house keepers, managers, waiting staff and even office staff. There was no department unturned! Personally, I have made a new set of very close friends after a few of us went to support Kelly Waddington in Durham for her skydive. Looking back, it's hard to believe we would have ever thought to socialize without the excuse of Kelly's skydive, so these little elements of positivity are still present today.
Is there a message Bettys Harlow Carr would like to send to their team members who got involved and helped raise life-saving funds and awareness?
In times where our staff were stuck at home (like the rest of the country) loneliness and mental health became a real focus. Our charity events provided not only that essential fundraising, but also a vital lifeline to the outside world. We did murder mysteries, cook alongs and socially distanced running when allowed to do so. It proved a success when these events still continued well beyond lock down and the long-term effects of our 'togetherness' are still being appreciated today.
I would like to finish by saying that having the position of Charity Co-ordinator this past year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and the team around me have been outstanding in their motivation, positive attitude and generosity. I couldn't have been prouder as without them, none of this would have been possible. They are owed (yet another) massive thank you.
We finished the year on a real high with Bettys and Taylors winning The Yorkshire Post's Community Award in Leeds for all the hard work our branches have done for our local communities. We are still over the moon.
Below is a special message from Frank’s parents and sister to the team at Bettys Harlow Carr:
We would like to say a huge thank you to Bettys Harlow Carr for their amazing fundraising done in Frank’s memory. Frank would be blown away by and incredibly grateful for their support. The phenomenal amount of £9,000 raised is enough to fund 300 hours of desperately needed research! This really will make a massive difference in our search for a cure for Ewing sarcoma.
If you or your team would like to support our life-saving work. Contact our friendly fundraising team today by clicking below.
The amazing team at Bettys Harlow Carr doing their incredible fundraising activities
