20/12/2011 - Young board member raises £3000 in Peru trek

A member of a Future Enterprise Board set up by the Main Board of Directors at Thomas Vale Construction has helped to raise just over £3000 for Macmillan Cancer by hiking and trekking to one of the highest of the Peruvian peaks, Machu Picchu, situated at 2430 metres above sea level.

Sasha Hyde, FEB Member and a Construction Management Trainee at the business, made the brave decision to undertake the fund-raising trip after another young mentor of hers, passed away after a long battle with bowel cancer in the Summer of 2010.

While the treks are challenging at times, those undertaking them know that their sponsorship money will help to change the lives of people living with cancer; the team spirit makes these events truly special.

Sasha Hyde added: “One in three of us will get cancer and it is one of the toughest fights most of us will ever face. To be able to do this in memory of my close friend and colleague, I hope that I have made a sustained contribution to helping support people and their families who are living with cancer.

“The care that is provided by Macmillan cancer to patients and families across the Midlands and beyond can only be prolonged by fund-raising events for the charity such as these. I am proud that I have not only experience a trip of a lifetime, but that I have been able to stand at the top of Machu Picchu, look to the sky above and know that Jack was watching over me.”

Sasha’s colleague Jack Beadle who lost his battle with the disease, had support from Macmillan Cancer until the very end; and his family and friends were extremely grateful of the support that was given. Just £3,980 could fund a Macmillan nurse, providing emotional and practical help to people affected by cancer and their families and approximately £10,000 can pay for regional wide cancer support specialist services.

Paul Clarke, Divisional Director at Thomas Vale added: “Jack was a very close personal friend to many employees here at Thomas Vale, in particular, he mentored and developed Sasha and it is clear to see the positive effect he had on people within the business. I, like many of the employees within the division and my fellow Directors are proud that a young person took the initiative to raise monies for something which is close to all of our own hearts.”