Staff rally together in memory of Steve

A Blackburn company raised over £10,000 in memory of one of its much-loved employees who died of cancer.

Stephen Parkinson, 62, who had worked for H&T Presspart in Blackburn for 28 years, passed away at the hospice in March 2017 after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2015.

In memory of Steve, staff at H&T Presspart took part in a number of events including a 62-mile bike ride – a mile for every year of his life, 28 laps of Whitebirk industrial estate where the company is based, to represent the number of years he worked at the company, and a 6.2-mile walk.

Over 80 members of staff took part in the challenges raising an incredible £10,048.22. The fundraising was brought to a close with a barbecue thanks to Whittakers Butchers in Oswaldtwistle, who are donating the proceeds of the catering costs to the hospice.

The events have been coordinated by Vicky Auernigg, Quality Engineer, and Ann Marie Boothman, Transport Co-ordinator, who both worked with Steve.

Vicky Auernigg said: “Steve, known as Parky, worked at Presspart for such a long time and was known by almost everyone here that so many people wanted to be involved. What began as our idea for a charity bike ride, soon turned into a massive event and just snowballed.  Steve’s son, Ste, who is Maintenance Group Leader, took part in the 28 laps and more of Steve's family joined in on the 6.2-mile walk.

The cheque was presented to East Lancashire Hospice at the company’s Christmas party by Tony Cross, Managing Director, who also took part in the 62-mile bike ride.

Vicky said: “We thought this would be an ideal opportunity to thank everyone for their participation and involvement which raised this terrific amount.”

H&T Presspart, which makes inhalers for the pharmaceutical industry, donated £5,000 to the cause.

Annmarie said: “It was quite an emotional day but it was also wonderful to see everyone come together to raise money for the hospice that helped Steve in his final days and we wanted to give something back in his memory.”

Hospice Events Fundraiser Leanne Green said, "We are blown away by the incredible amount raised by the team at H&T Presspart in memory of Steve. The money will truly make a difference to our patients and their families. Thank you to all involved."