Member Article

Nortech go extra 300-miles for charity to support former employee

Staff at Nortech Group, the Wynyard-based professional engineering design and project management company, are supporting a terminally ill former colleague, by cycling 285-miles this week from their offices in Wynyard to the head office of Swagelok Scotland Teesside Ireland in Aberdeen.

Matthew Mitchell, 48, who was an electrical engineer at Nortech, was sadly diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year. Nortech has already raised £2,170 after the company matched the donations made by employees, which totalled more than £1,000.

Fundraising for the bike ride has generated over £600 and the team’s target is £5,000. Charities to benefit are MacMillan Cancer Support, which has supported Matthew and his young family, as well as the Jo & Mya Memorial Fund, which supports bereaved children.

Nortech colleagues, including Bryan Bunn, Managing Director of Nortech, have now taken to the road to tackle the 285-mile trip following weeks of training for the feat.

Matthew, who has a young family, said: “I am deeply moved by the generosity of my colleagues and the company, and am proud to have been a member of such a great team. I think that the bike ride is a great idea, if not overly ambitious. I have nothing but admiration for the determination and dedication of the Nortech team.”

Bryan Bunn said: “After hearing the terrible news about Matthew, we as a company felt it was necessary to support him and his young family by donating to MacMillan, which has supported them throughout this tragic ordeal, as well as to the Jo & Mya Memorial Fund, which goes to great lengths to support children who have lost a loving parent.

“Although the bike ride will be demanding, it will be worth it in the end as the money raised will help support two great causes that offer support in cases like Matthew’s. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew, his family and friends in this time of need.

“The team in Aberdeen are thrilled to be opening their doors to a group of people who are committed to such a difficult challenge and offer the Nortech staff a bit of rest and recuperation, and a little bit of a celebration at the end of their arduous journey.”

Peter O’Connor, Managing Director, from Swagelok Scotland Teesside Ireland said: “This is a worthwhile cause and something we are happy to support.

“A 285 mile bike ride is no easy feat, but the money raised from this event will go towards helping two worthwhile charities.”

“I would also like to say that our thoughts are with Matthew and his family and friends at this time.”

The Jo & Mya Memorial Fund was set up by Ian Richardson after his wife, Jo, and young daughter, Mya, were killed in a car crash. Ian and other volunteers offer support to children, who have been either directly impacted by the loss of an immediate family member and also for those who have family members directly affected by organ donation.

To donate to support the Nortech team, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/nortech

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .