Demelza Archives - Axis Foundation

A Swinging Success at 2026 Alan Curbishley Classic Celebrity Golf Day

July 31, 2026By Axis Foundation

Axis Foundation’s Alan Curbishley Classic Celebrity Golf Day Raises £30,000

The Axis Foundation’s Alan Curbishley Classic Celebrity Golf Day brought together friends, colleagues and supporters for a fantastic day of golf, fundraising and fun – raising an incredible £30,000 through sponsorship, donations, raffles and contributions on the day.

This amazing achievement is thanks to the generosity of everyone who took part and supported the event. The funds raised will help the Axis Foundation continue its work supporting Demelza, our charity partner, alongside supporting our small, local and impactful causes.

The day also provided the opportunity to celebrate another incredible milestone, with the presentation of a £100,000 cheque to Demelza.

The donation will help Demelza continue its vital work supporting children with serious or life-limiting conditions, providing expert clinical care and creating extraordinary moments for children and families when they need it most.

Peter Varney, Chairman of the Axis Foundation, said:

“ We are delighted that this year we will be donating £100,000 to Demelza. That we are able to raise this significant sum for our charity partner is thanks to the incredible support of our many friends who have so generously supported the Axis Foundation at our fundraising events, and to the energy and enthusiasm of Axis employees who have helped us too.

“I know that Demelza is dear to the heart of many – and our donation this year is fantastic evidence of the strength of their affection.

“This exciting news follows on from another milestone we achieved last year: namely the total donations to Demelza by the Axis Foundation topped the £1m mark.

“I am personally very proud that our Foundation has such a significant impact on Demelza’s essential work – improving the lives of children and young people with serious or life-limiting conditions.”

A special thank you to Alan Curbishley

At the top of our thank you list is our wonderful Patron, Alan Curbishley, whose support, generosity and enthusiasm continue to make the event such a success.

Alan kindly lent his name to the tournament and once again gave his time so generously to help make the day memorable for everyone involved.

He also helped bring together an incredible line-up of celebrity guests, including former England footballer and football executive Leslie “Les” Ferdinand, and British athletics legend, broadcaster and motivational speaker Kriss Akabusi.

We are incredibly grateful to Alan for his continued support of the Axis Foundation and for helping us create such a special fundraising event year after year.

Thank you to all our guests, sponsors and supporters

A huge thank you goes to everyone who joined us, supported the event and helped make the day such a success.

We would also like to thank ALL our generous sponsors, including Nxt Gen for sponsoring the golf buggies.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the following friends for their support:

Adeva Home Improvements Ltd
Axis
D M Jones Ltd
Elite Fire Solutions Ltd
Estec Engineering
FFT
First Choice Drainage Solutions Ltd
Hall & Gertski Wealth Management Ltd
Howells Recruitment
J E M Construction & Maintenance Ltd
John Hayes
Martin Arnold Limited
P J Mear Ltd
Pioneer Site Services Ltd
R&O Property Services Ltd
Regen Solutions
Russell Trew Ltd
Heron Joinery
Symphony Windows
Ultimate Access Solutions Limited
VH Electrical (UK) Ltd

Thank you for joining us, embracing the spirit of the day and helping raise vital funds for causes that make a real difference.

Together, we made the Alan Curbishley Classic Celebrity Golf Day a huge success – and we cannot wait to do it all again.

Demelza

We’ve donated £1m to Demelza!!

December 17, 2025By Axis Foundation

Axis Foundation celebrates donating £1m to Demelza in 2025

This year, the Axis Foundation marks a milestone: we have donated a total of £1m to Demelza, our charity partner.

That we have achieved this amazing figure in our 16-year history of giving is – in huge part – a tribute to the generosity of our supporters who have donated so generously, and our volunteers to have given their time to raise funds for our charity partner.

These words come direct from Demelza to you!

“This year, Demelza is proud to be supporting over 2,700 children and family members. Each day, we strive to reach more children living with serious or life-limiting conditions, while continuing to strengthen the care and support we already provide to families who rely on us.

“Everything we do is made possible by the kindness and commitment of our supporters. As a charity, we exist because of you – your generosity fuels every moment of care, every family visit, and every smile we help create, every bit of sunshine we bring into a child’s life.

“During our partnership with the Axis Foundation, this remarkable charity has donated over a phenomenal £1 million to us!

“As more children are living longer with increasingly complex medical needs, the demand for our services continues to grow. With your help, we’re determined to be there for every extraordinary child and family who needs our extraordinary care – today, tomorrow, and into the future.

“From all of us at Demelza, a heartfelt thank you to the Axis Foundation. Your belief in our work means more than words can say. Your unwavering passion, your creativity, and compassion have never failed to inspire us. The energy you bring to every fundraising effort and the dedication you show year after year truly make a difference. No act of support is ever too small – each one helps transform lives” – Lavinia Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer

“We are truly honoured and deeply grateful for the incredible support the Axis Foundation has shown us over the years. Reaching the milestone of raising and donating over £1 million is a remarkable achievement.

“Your commitment has improved the lives of countless children and their families across Kent and south east London, and we’re so proud to have you as part of our journey” – Louise Earl, Corporate Accounts Partnership Manager

Demelza

Makeovers and Marathons

December 17, 2025By Axis Foundation

Our Volunteers Support Demelza

These are just a few examples of how Axis employees support our charity partner Demelza!

Axis volunteers conducted a garden makeover at Demelza’s hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent. They helped to tidy up the gardens by weeding and clearing paths, and set up Christmas trees, a gingerbread house archway and an inflatable Christmas dinosaur.

Our Kate Thomson (Social Impact Coordinator) ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise funds for Demelza and also hosted a Cake Sale.

Axis Volunteers restored the memorial garden at Demelza Hospice in Sittingbourne ahead of the charity’s annual Memorial Weekend – a meaningful event for bereaved families.

And some of our Axis people bravely took part in the 26.2-mile challenge of the 2025 London Marathon, raising £4,500 for Demelza.

Demelza

Marathon Mike

October 21, 2024By Axis Foundation

Axis’ Michael MacGibbon runs Royal Parks Half Marathon for Demelza

Mike raised £680 plus £170 gift aid for our charity partner Demelza running the Royal Parks Half Marathon

Axis’ Mike MacGibbon, Senior Contract Manager, completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon in two hours, 23 minutes and 13 seconds raising funds for our charity partner Demelza. Mike told us: “This was the second time I have taken part in this half marathon; the last time was the very first event in 2008!

“The weather was ideal to be running around parts of London, taking in Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and many more. Only five miles of the 13.1 route is on the road, the remaining 8.1 miles snake around Hyde Park.

“I didn’t know just how big the park is and how beautiful it is with The Serpentine river, and the autumn leaves providing colour.

“Representatives from various charities were out along the route to encourage their runners.The Demelza Team was positioned at mile six and nine, so their support was very welcome.

“I would recommend this event to anyone, whether putting your running shoes on for the first time or a seasoned runner, as it is well organised, well supported by the crowds and takes in some famous landmarks of London.”

You can still support Mike by making a donation here.

Demelza’s 20 runners raised nearly £13,000. Well done to everyone who ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for Demelza!

Demelza

Machu Picchu Group Challenge raises £136,504 for Demelza

October 15, 2024By Axis Foundation

Axis Head of AI joins the Machu Picchu Group Challenge to support Demelza

Raees Gillani, Axis’ Head of AI and Innovation,took on Machu Picchu to raise money for our charity partner Demelza. His incredible adventure saw him take on the challenge of hiking through the Andes to reach the famous lost city of the Incas!

His first two days of arriving in Cusco were tough due to the altitude: after overcoming the difficulties, it became a fun and memorable journey!

Raees said “The views and steepness of the city were just incredible and the level of exposure to nature during the trail itself was very magical.”

Demelza organises fundraising events and opportunities throughout the year, including big group adventures such a taking on Machu Picchu, the Paris Marathon, and the Demelza-to-Demelza bike ride.

As Raees explained, the benefits of a group challenge include the support from the rest of the team: ‘”My fellow fundraisers were incredibly kind and supportive, encouraging everyone to keep going and to push through each day, with mini celebrations at each milestone.”

Describing the whole experience, Raees said “The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is very similar to what I imagine a religious pilgrimage to be like, a difficult journey that will never end but then culminates into something very profound and beautiful.”

Raees and the whole group did an incredible job of fundraising; collectively raising over £136,504 for Demelza!!

Demelza

A Swinging Success at the 6th Axis Foundation Charity Golf Day!

July 29, 2024By Axis Foundation

Under a perfectly sunny sky, the lush greens of the London Golf Club saw our annual golf competition: The Alan Curbishley Classic.

Charity patron Alan Curbishley and Axis CEO John Hayes invited familiar faces from our generous subcontractors and sponsors to the competition. Teams played alongside celebrity golfers, which included premier league legends Matt Le Tissier and Teddy Sheringham, and Former England Rugby player, Jason Leonard.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from the Foundation’s team and the presentation of a cheque worth £137,000 for our charity partner, Demelza. The cheque was awarded to friend of the charity, and former professional footballer, Scott Minto.

With the formalities out of the way, the players hit the tees, showcasing their skills — or lack thereof — with good humour. Among the highlights was the longest drive and nearest the pin competitions which saw some fantastic shots all round. Off the course, the event featured a silent auction with some incredible prizes, adding to the fun and the funds raised. The day concluded with a lunch and party games, hosted by comedian Aaron James.

All in all, the event, our 6th, was a swinging success, raising a significant amount of money for the Axis Foundation and Demelza. The funds will go towards supporting local, impactful projects, making a positive impact on lives across the country.

The day was a perfect blend of fun, philanthropy, and a little bit of friendly competition. A big thanks to all the celebrities, subcontractors, and supporters who made the day such a memorable one:

English rugby union player Jason Leonard (OBE); and British professional boxer John Conteh (MBE) as well as footballers Tony Gale, Mark Dennis, Keith Bertschin, Paul Walsh, Lee Bowyer, Graham Roberts, Ray Houghton, Rob Lee, Alex McCleish (OBE), Steve Brown, Matt Le Tissier, Gladstone Small and Jody Morris as well as Scott Minto who, like us, has supported Demelza for over 20 years!

Our generous guests included: Adeva Home Improvements (nearest the pin sponsor); DMDI, Martin Arnold, , Bauer Asbestos (refreshment buggy and hole in one sponsor), Bauder (hole sponsor), BVL Scaffolding, City Plumbing, DMD Contractors, DM Jones, Emplas, (hole sponsor), Envirocontract, FFT, Gertski Wealth Management, Howells Solutions (refreshment buggy sponsor), JEM, LMP, Marks Building (hole sponsor), Pegasus Siting (hole sponsor), Proactive Fire Solutions (longest drive sponsor), Range Cleaning, Russell Trew (longest drive and nearest the pin sponsor), Symphony Windows (hole sponsor), TW Drainage (nearest to the pin and hole sponsor) and VH Electrical.

Demelza

Volunteering at Demelza Shop

January 22, 2024By Axis Foundation

Axis people lend a hand at Demelza’s shop

Axis Site Managers Nicola Moran and Billy Williams spent their Volunteering Day to help out at Demelza’s charity shop in Eltham just before Christmas.

Nicola said: “Billy and I both enjoyed the day volunteering in the shop. We helped sort through donations, worked on the till and put new stock out. Plus we helped put Christmas trees in the window.

“We have a new-found respect for everyone that works in the shop! It’s harder work than you realise and they were very busy. They made us feel very welcome. We will both volunteer in the shop again as it was good fun.”

Everyone who works at our parent company Axis gets a Volunteering Day. Our people often use theirs to support Demelza, our charity partner.

Demelza

Bright Christmas at Demelza

January 22, 2024By Axis Foundation

Axis’ Bright Sparks help out with Demelza’s Christmas lights

To brighten up Christmas at Demelza, volunteers from Axis’ Sittingbourne team – Joe Komorowski, Michael Kitts, George Ball, Stephen True and Jake Remon – along with our subcontractor, BJL Electrical, set up Demelza’s Christmas lights.

And our volunteers used their expertise to additionally ensure that external lights are a permanent fixture for future events.

“By gifting us with their time, the team have helped us to light up the grounds of the hospice, which will be enjoyed by all! A huge thank you again to the team” – Clare from Demelza

Plus they also funded £500 worth of gifts via an Amazon Wishlist, using Sittingbourne’s scrap money and BJL Electrical’s kind donation.

“Another great volunteering day today with our friends and colleagues at Axis for the lovely charity Demelza, installing power supplies ready for their Christmas light install” – BJ Electrical

Everyone who works at Axis gets a Volunteering Day, and our people often use theirs to support Demelza, our charity partner.

Group shot young men round table in club

Demelza

Fundraiser Quiz Night for Demelza!

January 19, 2024By Axis Foundation

Bright sparks from Axis pit their wits for Demelza at annual Fundraiser Quiz Night

Tony Mantle, Operations Director, organises our Fundraiser Quiz Night every year, with the support of Marie Partner, Head of Business Development, and Vera O’Driscoll, Community Investment Coordinator. We hold our event at Sidcup Rugby Club in Kent. This year we raised an impressive £1,677 for our charity partner Demelza.

“The Axis Quizzers came out in force to support our annual Fundraiser Quiz Night for Demelza. Over a hundred people came, and the competition was fierce. I really enjoy seeing people enjoy the night and most importantly donate much-needed money to Demelza” – Tony Mantle

“We were so delighted with the fantastic turn out, seeing everyone enjoying themselves, creating a fun-filled atmosphere. We thank everyone for their generosity on the night, all given in the True Axis Spirit for such a worthy cause, Demelza” – Marie Partner

“We raised an amazing amount for Demelza. Our contributions will go a long way for the children and families that Demelza supports!” – Vera O’Driscoll

Demelza

Supporting our Charity Partner Demelza

December 4, 2023By Axis Foundation

Everyone who works at Axis cherishes our Foundation and our charity partner Demelza

Indeed, there are literally no limits to what our people will do for the Axis Foundation and to ensure our charity partner, Demelza. continues to deliver extraordinary care to extraordinary children. Here are just a few examples:

Top Row – We raised £800 in Children’s Hospice Week * Collecting Demelza pots * Getting Demelza’s garden summer-ready

Second Row – Sorting donations at Demelza’s warehouse * Jake Thomas raised £2,386 * Miles in May raises £1,445

Third Row – Sarah Taylor raised £2,220 * Team Thames Path raised £2,255 * Team Tough Mudder raised £6,780