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In December last year, three members of the Englefield Estate’s staff took part in the 2020 Virtual Englefield 10k race, running for Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS).
Raising £770, Community and Education Officer Liz Mattison, Apprentice Gardener Caroline Jones and Shane Sewell from the Estate Yard all ran different routes, adhering to social distancing measures in place at the time. Workplace matched funding provided by the Englefield Charitable Trust has doubled the donation to a fantastic £1540.
BIBS supports babies and their families in the special care baby unit (Buscot Ward) at Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. The charity funds a professional Family Support Practitioner, manages and refurbishes the parent and family facilities on the ward, and fundraises to supply the latest equipment and technology that will aid in the care of babies. The committee and the supporters are all parents or carers of ex-Buscot babies who have been through the experience of having a premature, or full term but ill baby.
Liz has a personal connection to the charity. In 2012, her son was born at Royal Berkshire Hospital suffering from hypoxia. The doctors and nurses in Buscot saved his life and immediately began treatment to reduce brain damage. He was then transferred using a special travel incubator to John Radcliffe Hospital where his treatment continued.
Liz said: “We were lucky such treatment, expertise and equipment was available, which is why fundraising for them was so important to me. I was thrilled that Shane and Caroline decided to join me too.
“Our son is now 8 years old and has begun trail running too!”
For over 50 years the Englefield Charitable Trust has supported a range of charities and good causes, which include education, the arts, social welfare, health, conservation and the armed forces.
Catherine Haig, chairman, said: "Our matched funding offer is a new venture for the Trust and we were delighted to see it being taken up for such a good cause. Many congratulations to Liz, Shane and Caroline for all their efforts."
The Trust's matched funding policy provides Englefield employees with an opportunity to have their fundraising efforts matched when carrying out activities for charities, schools and not for profit community organisations.
