Inco Contracts has smashed its 2024 fundraising target to support cancer patients.
The principal contractor, which has its headquarters in Cannock, hoped to raise £10,000 this year to supply ‘chemo comfort bags’ and water bottles for people having radiotherapy to the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity.
But the team has doubled the target to generate over £20,000 through a series of golf days, a ‘Miles in March’ competition and a one-off £4,000 donation from integrated healthcare specialist Phoenix Medical Supplies.
They will be delivering more than 1,100 chemo comfort bags – filled with the likes of wet wipes, lavender oil, tissues and activity books – and 1,000 radiotherapy water bottles.
Associate Director Tim Lewis, who has undergone his own cancer journey, said: “There has been a fantastic response to this year’s charity drive, with every single member of staff and many companies in our supply chain getting behind it. After all, nearly every person in the UK will know someone who has experienced a battle with cancer.
“Having successfully gone through chemotherapy myself, I know how hard it can be for patients. The chemo comfort bags will provide a welcome boost and support to patients undergoing treatment as part of their journey – it’s the little things that make a big difference and we have raised enough money to ensure 1,100 people get one.
“The radiation bottles are an idea I have personally pushed for as I understand how important it is to have the right amount of fluid in your system. It can speed up the process and cut patient’s time in the radiotherapy unit.”
He continued: “A massive thank you to everyone who gave money and their time, especially to Phoenix Medical Supplies, who pledged £4,000. That is the single largest donation this year.”
Inco Contracts has also added its name to the refurbishment of the children’s garden at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton with work set to begin in February.
The £35,000 project will bring a tired space back to life with a full redecoration, the build of a large pergola, installation of festoon lights and an outdoor cinema projection screen to provide much-needed outdoor entertainment for poorly children.
Tim added: “Working with our supply chain partners, we’ve agreed to provide all the painting and electrics for the lights and cinema for free.
“Families are going through a very difficult time and this outdoor space can provide some welcome relief and distraction – it is an honour for us to take part.”
Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity, has thanked the company for the first donation of goods.
Talking about the garden project, she added: “With Inco donating the labour, paints and the big projector, it means we can spend all the £35,000 raised on making the space the best it can be with an outdoor climbing centre, sound wall, mud kitchen, music kitchen, sensory flowerbeds and new flooring – the latter meaning we can roll out hospital beds too.”
