Member Article

Enfield signage centre helps raise thousands for charity

Enfield’s FASTSIGNS signage centre has helped raise over £20,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and the North London Hospice.

The fundraising follows the tragic passing of Simon Cooper, son of FASTSIGNS Enfield owners Angela and Paul Cooper, who lost his long battle with Cystic Fibrosis and, later, lung cancer in 2016.

A designer at the signage franchise centre and keen musician, Simon played drums with the inclusive theatre company Chickenshed for many years as well as with Chas Hodges form Chas ‘n’ Dave and in the Status Quo tribute band ‘Quoincidence’. Throughout his life, Simon worked tirelessly to raise money to help others suffering from similar conditions. He received a liver transplant in 1999 and double lung transplant in 2012. He was also an NHS Transplant Ambassador.

During his final months, Simon and his sister Rebecca organised the “Simon Says Let’s Party” charity ball, with the goal of raising £10,000. When Simon passed away in July last year, Rebecca took the view that “the show must go on!” Through the efforts of his family pulling together in such difficult times, Simon’s original fundraising target was doubled and a massive £20,000 was raised with more still coming in.

“Simon achieved so much in his life and we are immensely proud of the legacy he leaves,” said Angela. “The event was held just as Simon would have wanted and in true Simon Cooper style. The incredible amount raised is a testament to how many people he inspired and the fantastic support of our family, friends and colleagues.

“We have a lot of charity activity planned to carry on his work including supper quizzes, ladies lunches and sponsored walks, as well as the creation of a foundation in Simon’s name to continue his goal of helping others.”

John Davies, managing director of FASTSIGNS UK, said:

“We were all saddened at FASTSIGNS to hear of Simon’s passing. He was a brilliant contributor to the team and we were glad to have been able to support his family with their charity ball.”

One of the charities to benefit from the money raised by the “Simon Say’s Let’s Party” charity ball was the North London Hospice, where Simon received care. Campbell James Findlay, communications officer at the hospice, explained:

‘North London Hospice provides end-of-life care free of charge in the three boroughs we serve. As we only receive a small proportion of our funding from the NHS we rely on donations for the care we provide. Simon was an inspiration to many during his time at the hospice we thank his family and friends for all the support they have given.’

For more information on FASTSIGNS Enfield or to donate to The Butterfly Committee Cystic Fibrosis visit www.fastsigns.co.uk/861-enfield

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Eileen Pegg .