New research from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) shows nearly half (47%) of people say they’d be more inclined to work for a business if it donates to charitable causes. Staff from Gloucestershire businesses Pure Offices Ltd, Peter Ball & Co and Shearer Associates have all committed to a series of fundraising events to support local medical charity Cobalt as part of their commitment to the local community.

The staff will be raising funds for a Teenage and Young Adults with Cancer Specialist Nurse, provided by Cobalt.  The post serves the needs of teenagers and young adults facing a cancer diagnosis throughout Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Pure Offices Ltd plan to take part in challenges, cake sales, raffles and selling greetings cards. They have set a target of £1,000 which the business will match.

Claire Hamblett, Assistant Centre Manager, Pure Offices Ltd said:” We have chosen Cobalt as our local charity as it is such a worthy cause and having over 300 customers on-site feel even if they haven’t been directly affected they will know someone that has and will want to help us raise as much money as possible”.

As an ongoing initiative staff at Peter Ball & Co are offering £2.50 for every single valuation they carry out regardless of whether the property comes to market or not.  In addition, they will be organising other fundraising events and stocking a selection of Cobalt’s upcycled greetings cards.

Julian Carter, Senior Sales Manager, Peter Ball & Co said “ Local estate agents, Peter Ball & Co. have been supporting Cobalt and more recently helping to raise money for Megan. We are delighted to be supporting Megan and such a valuable cause. As soon as we adopted Cobalt as our main charity it became very apparent the positive impact they have had on the local community and beyond. Megan and the fantastic work she does supporting Teenagers and Young Adults is just one arm of Cobalt’s far-reaching ongoing battle against Cancer, and we a proud to be associated with her. As an ongoing initiative, we will continue to offer £2.50 for every single valuation Peter Ball carry out regardless of whether the property comes to market or not, in addition we will be organising other fundraising events. Our offices also stock a variety of quality cards for all occasions with 100% of the proceeds going to Cobalt. Anyone is welcome to pop in and support in any way.“

Harry Shearer, Director, Shearer Associates will be running the London Marathon in April to raise funds for Cobalt. Harry’s mum and founder of the company Clare Shearer has been a steadfast supporter of Cobalt. Harry’s nan also used to raise money for the charity by knitting blankets in her sheltered accommodation. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer and sadly passed away.

Harry said “If I can raise some money for this fantastic charity and help other people in the position my nan was that would make her very happy”.

The nurse will help teenagers and young adults facing a cancer diagnosis who often have different needs to adults and are at a vulnerable stage in their life as well as the stress of ill health and the physical changes cancer may bring hair loss, amputation and fertility issues. Specialised care is required not just in terms of their illness, but also in terms of their educational, financial and relationship needs.

Cobalt are extremely grateful for all the foundations and local businesses who give their time and expertise to support the work of the charity.