Care

Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk

December 1, 2022By

Providing independence and confidence for MS Centre users

Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk aims to provide independence to all those with Multiple Sclerosis and all other neurological conditions.

The Axis Foundation has supported the centre with three donations. In 2019 we donated £2,480 to help install a ramp entrance to the front of the centre which is housed in an old air traffic control tower. We followed this in 2022 with a donation of £1,500 to purchase a defibrillator for centre users. And in 2024 we made a further donation of £5,795 to help the charity install automatic doors.

“This Defib will make a huge difference to us, allowing vulnerable centre users feel confident in our care knowing there is a team and equipment available in the event of any emergency. This also makes the team at the centre feel confident that they can deal with possible situations and have the right equipment. We would like to say thank you too the Axis Foundation for your support over the years” – Nick Petch, Volunteer Fundraiser

More about Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk

Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Norfolk offers  appropriate therapies and services including physiotherapy, yoga, Pilates, reflexology and podiatry to 400 users. There’s more about their work here 

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Demelza

Climbing Kilimanjaro for Demelza

November 4, 2022By

Axis’ Walter Shave recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro raising a fantastic £2,500 for Demelza and First Halesworth Scout Group.

The two-week expedition, which was completely self-funded by the team, took just over two weeks to complete and created memories to last a lifetime.

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the African continent’s highest peak at 5895m (19,340ft) and is the highest free-standing mountain above sea level worldwide.

The team started off by climbing up two smaller peaks nearby to acclimatise to the altitudes. And then it was time for the main event! The climb up Mt Kilimanjaro started after additional training in the rainforest.  Every day Wally and his team climbed a total of 1000m which is the equivalent of Mount Snowdon!

On the summit day, they woke up at 1am to reach the top just in time for sunrise. Wally reports: “We noticed that we were struggling a lot to physically move due to the lack of oxygen at that altitude, our average speed was 1.2km per hour! It was hard to believe that our oxygen levels went down to an astonishing 70%. When you are at sea level, if your oxygen levels go down to 92% you need to be rushed to A&E! The last 250m we walked through glaciers to reach the summit which were incredible: planes were flying below us! Once we reached the summit it was a feeling of such achievement and joy surrounded by amazing views and a beautiful sunrise, we will cherish that moment for our lifetime!”

For his scout group, First Halesworth Scout Group, the money raised will help fund an annual scout trip to Scotland or Switzerland for less fortunate members. For Demelza, the money will help to ensure every child and young person who has a serious or terminal condition receives the care and attention they need to live the most fulfilling life they can.

“Young people are our future! If I can make a small but meaningful contribution to both these fantastic organisations by giving up some of my time and sweat, then it’s a win win all round.”

Read more about our precious partnership with Demelza here.

And there’s more about how we helped First Halesworth Scouts here

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Demelza

Axis team raises £10,600 for Demelza

October 20, 2022By

Our Axis team raised £10,600 for our charity partner Demelza Hospice Care for Children on a sponsored cycle ride.

Axis’ Lee Covington, Lee Pearce, Leslie Crabbe, Jake Thomas, and Elliot Pillin cycled from London to Paris in 24 hours to raise funds for our charity partner.

The Axis team, who work in the Projects Division, cycled a total of 180 miles, starting at Trafalgar Square in London, then heading for Newhaven and over to Dieppe, and finishing at the Eiffel Tower.

They smashed their target of £10,000, raising £10,600 all of which will be donated to our charity partner, Demelza via the Axis Foundation.

Our generous subcontractors sponsored the ride and their logos were proudly emblazoned on our cyclists specially-commissioned kit. With special thanks to…

  • Adeva Home Improvements Ltd
  • A-Z Stone Repairs Ltd
  • Britelite Windows Limited
  • E&C Construction Ltd
  • Exterior Plas Ltd
  • Genesis Incorporated Ltd
  • Granville Noise Insulators Limited
  • Heron Joinery
  • Masons Scaffolding
  • Rich Demolition Limited
  • Russell Trew
  • Symphony Windows
  • Ultimate Access Solutions LTD
  • VH Electrical (UK) Ltd

… and a big thank you to everyone else who supported our team and helped Demelza too.

You can still support them here 

Here’s what the team had to say:

“Since having my young son Ellis, it has made it more apparent what a great job Demelza do… this bike ride was a good way to raise money to help support the charity in the fantastic work they carry out”-  Lee Covington

“The ride was full of emotions what kept me going was Axis team and the help we were giving to Demelza” – Leslie Crabbe

“It was an experience that I will never forget, although it was hard it was worthwhile for the money that was raised to support the Axis Foundation and the fantastic causes” – Lee Pearce

“It was the best and hardest experience of my life so far; it was only possible with the great team of people around me at Axis!” – Jake Thomas

“Our joint effort raised a substantial amount of money, which will hopefully go a long way to help those less fortunate” – Elliott Pillin

There’s more about our precious partnership with Demelza here

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Care

The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust

September 16, 2022By

We help develop new app for cancer patients

The Axis Foundation donated £10,000 to help The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust develop a brand-new app, the first of its kind in the UK, designed and created to help young cancer patients, families and clinical care teams.

‘As a charity we a have a tireless commitment to the oncology communities we serve. This technology-driven healthcare solution represents a hugely exciting step forward in how cancer patients and families are supported. We are delighted that the Axis Foundation shares our values and has invested in the development of this innovative app which is set to make a huge impact across the country. I would like to share heart-felt thanks on behalf of the team at the Trust and the beneficiaries of this project” – Michael Douglas, Charity founder and Trustee

“The commencement of the development phase would not have been possible without your support and the
process is yielding fantastic results working in collaboration with patients, families, technology and clinical
specialists. We are so grateful to work with like-minded funders such as yourselves who share our commitment to
this cause” – Natalie Reilly, Trustee

Our App will include:

• Clinical information about specific cancer diagnoses, treatment, procedures
• Explanations about clinical care teams/ surroundings
• Practical tips, advice, do’s and don’ts for caring for young patients
• Real life testimonials from children/ families
• Links to physical/ digital support groups, charities, organisations
• Research opportunities, clinical trials, funding

Aggregating critical up-to-date clinical information the app gives young cancer patients, families and clinical care teams access to comprehensive, high quality, evidence-based education resources direct to a phone or tablet.

It will assist families with decision-making, advance preparation for treatment, orientation around processes and care pathways and connection to support networks and resources within and beyond the NHS.

The team creating the app comprises experts in technology and software development, clinical care and Childhood Cancer Research, educational content creators, videographers and animators all working in close collaboration with hospital Trusts and Children’s Cancer Research specialists.

More about The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust

The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust supports Paediatric Oncology communities and local Cancer and Leukaemia services across London and the South East. They work in collaboration with the NHS from Princess Royal University Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich to King’s College Hospital, Guy’s Hospital and Croydon University Hospital to make vital improvements to patient care. Their goal is to allay information overwhelm, alleviate stress and feelings of isolation, optimise patient experience and improve health outcomes for patients. There’s more here

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Disability

Gift of freedom and mobility 

September 13, 2022By

Chloe O Donnell witnessed the devastating effects of isolation and loss of mobility on local resident Ashley Clarke.

Chloe is a Site Manager at Axis Europe. She and her team were carrying out major repairs and maintenance works on the west London estate where Ashley lives: once she had seen Ashley’s plight, assessed the situation and established what would help Ashley most, Chloe applied to the Axis Foundation asking for help.

As a result of Chloe’s recommendations, the Axis Foundation bought Ashley a power-assisted wheelchair.  Axis also fitted new automatic doors to accommodate the new chair.

Thanking the Foundation Chloe said: ‘“Ashley is obviously thrilled and has asked me to pass on his immeasurable gratitude to all involved in the process.”

More about our donation

Ashley Clarke is a severely disabled gentleman. He has severe arthritis in both hands, is paralyzed down his left side and has also had his left leg amputated.

Ashley’s carers place him in his wheelchair from his bed every morning, but his disabilities (he cannot use his hands) mean he can only move the wheelchair using his right foot. He has been housebound for three years, and spent most of that time stuck in one room.

As a result of an application by Chloe O Donnell, Axis Site Manager, the Axis Foundation donated a power-assisted wheel chair to Ashley. And we also fitted new automatic front door: at the press of a button or fob, the door opens so Ashley can easily manoeuvre himself and the chair in and out of his home.

Thanking the Foundation Chloe said: ‘“Ashley is obviously thrilled and has asked me to pass on his immeasurable gratitude to all involved in the process.

“Ashley has reiterated how life-changing this is: the new chair enables him to move freely around the house and go to the local park/shop/pub. It also means he can take himself to and from appointments at the local hospital which is a 10 minute ride away in on the new chair so he doesn’t have to wait (sometimes up to six hours) for an NHS car to take him home.

“He said he’d got so used to shuffling round using his leg to move his wheelchair that he hadn’t quite realised how difficult his life had become: having the power-assisted chair is just amazing and makes everything so easy.

“The first thing he wanted to do with his new found freedom was to treat his friend, who’s been helping care for him, to a Sunday lunch.

“I also wanted to say thank you again to the Axis Foundation for the opportunity to change someone’s life and I hope the case study on this encourages other members of staff to apply.”

 

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two young people reading togetherDonations

Friends of West Wimbledon Trust

July 26, 2022By

We help design library space for reading and storytelling

Friends of West Wimbledon Trust (FOWW) want to create a new, inclusive, child-friendly library space that will inspire a love of reading and storytelling.

When the Friends applied to the Axis Foundation for help, we were delighted to donate £1,000 to the project.

“We can’t thank the Axis Foundation enough for donating £1000 towards our library project. The transformation of the previously outdated space into an inviting, resource-based library for children to read, research and socialise, will be hugely appreciated by the children and staff. Thanks to the Axis Foundation, generous supporters within our school community and running various events, we are thrilled to announce that we have raised enough for the project to go ahead this summer! We can’t wait to share pictures once the new library is finished in September” – Susan Edwards, fundraiser, FOWW

The Axis Foundation’s grant will support the re-design of the library space as well as purchase flexi-bookcases, a picturebook unit, hideyhole seat, picturebook tunnel, reading den and tent as well as comfortable seating and storage areas.

The newly designed space will feature cosy areas for quiet reading, a variety of soft seating and Me-To-You display boards for book recommendations. The furniture will create defined fiction, non-fiction, and picture book areas. The shelving and the furniture ensure books face out to encourage children to choose books independently and so broaden their reading choices.

Diverse users of West Wimbledon Primary School’s (WWPS) library space include children with autism. Within the Autism Base at the school, the pupils all have specific needs: the new contemplative and calm environment will specifically help them to engage with their reading.

More about FOWW

FOWW is a charity run by the parents and supported by the teachers, staff and governors of West Wimbledon Primary School in the London Borough of Merton.  More here

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Little girl and sister lying on rug togetherDisability

New Garden for Little Isabella

July 26, 2022By

Foundation makes garden accessible for Little Isabella

Little Isabella was diagnosed with a severe brain malformation when she was just three months old.Axis Resident Liaison Manager Cathy Weedon, who asked the Axis Foundation for help told us:

“Isabella loves to feel the wind blowing, it’s one of the things that makes her smile the biggest. For her to simply enjoy the sunshine in a lovely finished garden would be a miracle.”

And we were delighted to support Cathy’s application to remodel the family garden so that Isabella can enjoy her outside space. The Axis Foundation and supply chain partner City Plumbing Community Fund donated £6,550 to remodel Isabella’s family garden. Axis people in our Sittingbourne office will use their volunteering days to do the work.

Isabella’s story

Isabella was born in November 2013. Her family noticed soon after that she never cried or expressed emotions. They were deeply concerned despite being reassured by doctors that she was just a ‘good baby’. After suffering seizures, and in obvious pain, Isabella went to  Evelina Children’s Hospital for tests and urgent medical care.

Here she was diagnosed with a severe brain malformation called ‘subcortical band heteretopia’ which meant that she would not progress beyond her baby years. Her physical disabilities would be life-altering.

The family moved to a new home to accommodate caring for Isabella. They proceeded to make adaptations including levelling downstairs floors and the garden, adding a small extension and making all the rooms wheelchair accessible. And as Isabella grew and became heavier. they moved to a bungalow. But Isabella needed hoists, an adapted bath and bed, wider doorways and a ramp up to the front door to list just a few adaptations.

Local authority grants would not cover the entire costs and shortage of labour and COVID-19 meant severe delays and rises in costs. Isabella’s Nanna even sold her own home to fund the work.

Their main wish was that Isabella would be able to enjoy the garden  But the garden space and driveway were tiered and unsuitable for manoeuvring Isabella’s wheelchair. We are especially delighted that our donation will help Isabella enjoy her outside space which our volunteers will create.

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News

£2m Donated!

July 11, 2022By

In July 2022 we reached an extraordinary landmark. Our donations hit the £2m mark. That’s £2m donated to 270 small, local and impactful causes in 13 years of giving.

“The £2m moment” – our cheque to Demelza for £89,000 took us over the £2m mark!

We presented the cheque to Demelza’s patron, media presenter and Strictly judge, Len Goodman, at our 4th Axis Foundation Charity Golf Day.

Accepting the cheque for our charity partner Demelza, Len said: ‘The Axis Foundation is a fantastic charity. You get Ten from Len!’

Our host at the Foundation Celebrity Golf Day was our own Axis Foundation Patron, sports pundit and former football manager Alan Curbishley. Our guests included our generous suppliers, clients and subcontractors. Former football stars Teddy Sheringham, ex-England, Spurs and Manchester United player, and Scott Minto, former Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and West Ham star and football pundit who is also a long-term supporter of Demelza Hospice, were among the golfers who took part in the celebrity 4-ball challenge.

Lavinia Jarrett, Chief Executive at Demelza, said: “A huge thank you to the team at the Axis Foundation for their on-going support. Over the years, they have taken part in sky dives, abseils, running challenges, have hosted balls and golf days, as well as volunteering at our hospices – they are an incredible group of people and their support means so much to the families we work with.”

Peter Varney, our Chairman of our Trustees added: ““The Trustees of the Axis Foundation and I were delighted to present our cheque for £89,000 to our friend and partner Demelza, particularly as this donation was a special landmark for us, taking our total donations to £2m.”

13 years of giving

Our 13-year history of donating has helped people with disability, disease and life-limiting illnesses; those who are experiencing poverty, depression, deprivation and addiction; the lonely and the disadvantaged; parents, carers, the elderly, babies and the very young. Each one of these donations is intended to create a positive lasting difference: a hand up, rather than a hand out.

Help us make another million in donations by applying to the Foundation here

Special thanks to all our supporters – suppliers, subcontractors and clients as well as our own Axis people: your generosity helped the Foundation reach this amazing £2m milestone.

Left to right in our photo: Peter Varney, Chairman, Axis Foundation; Len Goodman, Demelza Patron; Alan Curbishley, Axis Foundation Patron

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Sea Change little children playing on check rugCare

Sea Change Trust

July 8, 2022By

We support Early Years’ Project

The Sea Change Trust offers psychological support to infants, children, young people and their parents and carers, regardless of financial means, background or status.

The Axis Foundation has donated £3,000 towards the cost of purchasing items for their Early Years’ Project including: an additional bell tent and porch, a heater, camping chairs, arts and crafts materials, toys and sensory equipment, a ball pit, windbreakers, blankets, cushions and beanbags, banners, and a tablet to record feedback.

‘We’d like to thank the Axis foundation for their kind donation to our Early Years Project for equipment and very importantly, a new Bell Tent! At a time when services for young families are diminishing and cuts in public transport make accessing support more and more difficult in our rural county, we are delighted that this will help us take our drop-in sessions to more communities. Numbers at the drop-ins are growing and being able to buy a bigger tent will help us all be well ventilated and covid-safe while spending time together. Many, many thanks from all our therapists, parents, and babies’ –  Tess Bailey-Sayer, CEO, The Sea Change Trust.

More About Sea Change Trust

Based in Shropshire, The Sea Change Trust comprises a team of child specialists, experienced in the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services across the West Midlands and in other settings. They particularly want to address and redress the absence of specialist services in rural areas. The charity offers group and one to one support addressing loneliness and bereavement, anxiety and emotional and mental ill-health. Their careful referral process works in partnership with other charities and service providers. They work with young refugees and asylum seekers, with new parents and those with young children and with schools and other partner organisations, to support children, young people, parents, and teachers.

The Early Years Project provides safe and non-judgmental drop-in sessions run by qualified therapists, where pre-school children, parents and carers can share their experiences. The Sea Change Trust intends to deliver more sessions and support more families, particularly focusing on areas of social deprivation and rural isolation.

More about their work here

 

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Demelza

Precious Partnership with Demelza

July 8, 2022By

The Axis Foundation is proud of our precious partnership with Demelza Hospice for Sick Children. In our 13-year history, the Foundation has donated £707,000 to Demelza.

Our donation of £6,000 to Demelza was one of our Foundation’s very first donations. And when our Foundation’s donations reached an impressive total of £2m (July 2022) we were delighted to present Demelza with a cheque for £89,000 which marked our £2m Moment.

Like all good friends… we share some history

Our friendship with Demelza goes back nearly 20 years – all the way to 2004. We had formed a charity partnership even before the Foundation was born.

  • Our parent company Axis supported Demelza’s Bricks and Water appeal creating a Hydrotherapy Centre and two new bedrooms for teenage patients meanwhile refurbishing two existing bedrooms at their Sittingbourne hospice, Kent
  • Axis also contributed to building a new hospice in Eltham in south east London. Olympic champions and Demelza vice presidents Jayne Torvill and Robin Cousins opened the new premises in 2009. Celebrating the first anniversary of the Eltham hospice in 2010, our people joined Demelza supporters, nurses, children and their families at the ‘polka dot tea party’.

Like all good friends, we share some major triumphs

And yes, like all good friends we share great sadness too

When Liam and Amy Hayes’ son Benjamin Jeffrey John Hayes was born in 2019 and suffered brain damage during birth, the family took Benjamin to Demelza where, as Liam says:“They helped us make happy memories, even at the toughest time our family has ever been through.” You can read Benjamin’s story here.

We Axis people love Demelza

Axis people are in their element – snow, ice, water, air, mud – when we are fundraising for our charity partner Demelza. Tough Mudder challenges, cycling to Paris, swimming, boxing, flying, running, climbing in the Arctic, walking hundreds of miles, dancing, baking, eating (even not eating) – there’s no stopping us when it comes to raising funds for Demelza and the Axis Foundation. There’s more about our challenges here

Our clients, suppliers and subcontractors too have generously given at our golf days and charity ball to support both charities.The Axis Foundation’s Winter Appeal 2021 raised £75,000 for Demelza thanks to Axis people, our suppliers and subcontractors. And our 2021 Charity Ball raised a whopping £340,000 for the Axis Foundation’s small, local and impactful charities – including Demelza.

Map Matching

Foundation Funding Focus is mainly on the areas where our parent company Axis Europe works to make social housing properties safe and comfortable for residents: in London and the South East and Essex. Demelza offers hospice care in Kent and South East London, as well as helping families across the South East.

Money donated

All the money we raise goes into Demelza’s Adopt a Nurse programme, which brings a nurse full-time for one year. As well as visiting the children at the Hospice, the nurses also see their families at home to help with medication and physiotherapy as well as aid the parents in their time of need.

£100 buys nine hours of nursing care for a child with a life-limiting illness at Demelza.

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