Foodbuy extends charity partnership with Duchenne UK
Foodbuy, a leading group procurement organisation, has announced the extension of its charity partnership with Duchenne UK for a further two years. The last 12 months has seen Foodbuy raise an incredible £135,000 for Duchenne UK, the leading charity working towards accelerating treatments and finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The significant fundraising success to date has been a result of Foodbuy colleagues carrying out a number of personally challenging, fun and inspirational events, including hosting a gala dinner, completing the three peaks challenge, running half marathons, holding culinary masterclasses, organising bake sales and through participating in Duchenne UK’s flagship event, the Duchenne Dash.
The Duchenne Dash is a gruelling 24-hour bike ride from London to Paris, and in 2018 Foodbuy had a team of 11 amateur riders take part alongside 160 others from across the UK. The cyclists covered more than 200 miles, passing through some of the most rural areas of France before finishing up the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower
Ian Murphy, Managing Director of Foodbuy said:
“We are thrilled to officially extend our charity partnership with Duchenne UK. We have a special connection with Duchenne UK, a charity that is very close to our hearts. We hope to raise a lot of money to help find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common genetic killer of children.”
Oliver Cock, former Managing Director of Foodbuy, has been the driving force behind Foodbuy’s support of Duchenne UK and has completed the Duchenne Dash three times. He said:
The work that Duchenne UK does in funding research and supporting parents is fantastic, and the Dash itself is such a brilliantly organised event that it’s a privilege to participate.
Emily Crossley, Co-Founder and CEO at Duchenne UK, said:
“Foodbuy are an incredible team and we’re very excited to be working with them for a further two years. Every penny raised helps accelerate research into the disease and brings forward the day we find a cure.”
Thank you to all the staff at Foodbuy and Compass Group UK & Ireland for your support.
The support we receive from businesses is an invaluable part of our fundraising. There are many ways we can work with businesses and can offer lots in return to firms who want to raise money for us or make us their Charity of the Year.
We would love to hear from you if you think your company could support us: [email protected]
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disease diagnosed in childhood. Children born with DMD cannot produce the protein dystrophin which is vital for muscle strength and function. Muscle weakness starts in early childhood. Many use a wheelchair by around the age of 12. As deterioration continues it leads to paralysis and early death, often in their 20s. It almost exclusively affects boys. There is no treatment or cure. In the UK there are around 2,500 boys affected and around 300, 000 worldwide. It is classified as a rare disease.
Who are Duchenne UK?
Duchenne UK is a lean, ambitious and highly focused charity with a clear vision: to fund and accelerate treatments and a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The charity has been formed by the coming together of Joining Jack and Duchenne Children's Trust, the two biggest funders of research in the UK in the last three years. Its president is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Its patrons include the broadcasters Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Mary Nightingale, and the sports stars Owen Farrell, Kris Radlinski and Andy Farrell.
How to donate?
Duchenne UK is entirely reliant on donations to fund research for treatments and a cure to DMD. This can be done via:
- Direct Debit – Duchenne Direct
- Individual Donation – Donate
- If you are a family or friend affected by DMD you can set up your own fund with Duchenne UK – Family and Friend Funds
- Take part in one of our fundraising events – Events
- Text DUCH10 £10 to 70070
For more information and interview requests:
Visit www.duchenneuk.org
Molly Hunt – Communications Manager, Duchenne UK E: [email protected]