On Monday, Kent hospice care charity ellenor took part in the world famous BGC Charity Day – which happened in the firm’s offices across the globe. ellenor was one of only a handful of local charities to be specially selected to benefit from the day – which remembers BGC’s colleagues who died in the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
In London, the Mayor of London was a special guest – while Donald Trump made an appearance at BGC’s New York office.
ellenor was supported on the trading floor by its Patrons ITV’s Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins; Tom Parker from The Wanted; and television property expert Phil Spencer, plus supporters BBC journalist and presenter Chris Hollins; Kent and England cricketer James Tredwell; and Atlantic rowing world record holder and Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins star Jason Fox.
“I had such a thrilling day at the BGC Charity Day supporting ellenor and raising vital funds to care for children facing terminal illness in their own homes,” says Phil Spencer. “I really enjoyed meeting the traders, who so generously support charities on this day and found the trading fast and exciting! It was a great experience. I look forward to my next event supporting ellenor when hosting the Orange Ball on 4th November in London.”
The famous faces were joined on the day by three of ellenor’s young patients – Harry Woodgate, Finley Jones and Fraser Watkins – and their families. They were invited onto the trading floor – where Harry’s sister Rhianne was handed a phone by one trader to close a deal!
“It was a really good day – if a little overwhelming with the amount of stars who turned up,” said Dean Woodgate, father of Harry.
Jason Fox said to Dean afterwards on Twitter: “It was a pleasure. I was so proud to be invited along. Thank you! Legends all.”
The celebrities also completed trades, were interviewed on stage by comedian Romesh Ranganathan and chatted to the BGC traders.
The ellenor team also included Princess ellenor – Kent-based artist and graphic designer, Anna-Maria Buss, on stilts! She grabbed the attention of many celebrities and cameras during her time on the trading floor.
“The day exceeded all our expectations in terms of the organisation and the welcome we received from each and every person at BGC,” says Rachel Holweger, Director of Fundraising at ellenor. “For a charity of our size, which has such an impact in the local community, to be acknowledged in this way on an international level is a real mark of recognition for the world leading care that we provide locally for our families.”
Rachel adds: “A huge thank you to everyone at BGC and to our Ambassadors and supporters who traded for ellenor on the day. You all made the day extra special.”
Funds raised on the day will go towards the provision of ellenor’s unique in-home oncology service to children meaning that children living with cancer can receive their cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, in the comfort and security of their own home. This special service avoids the need for families to make stressful, time consuming and costly journeys to hospital, and allows the child to stay at home, alongside their parents and siblings, in familiar surroundings, and with home comforts such as their own bed and TV.
Tom Parker is turning out again for ellenor at the charity’s Twilight Walk on Friday (16 September). To book a place or attend any of ellenor’s events, visit: www.ellenor.org/events