Local business Russell IPM held a celebration day on Friday to announce that they had successfully reached their £100,000 target for Leukaemia and Lymphoma research. The company and its friends were joined by local MP Mark Tami, Flintshire's newly elected Chairman Ray Hughes and Catriona Tait from the Leukaemia and Lymphoma research foundation who applauded their achievement.

Newly re-elected MP Mark Tami, whose own son was diagnosed with leukaemia at 8 years old said, ‘I would like to congratulate Russell IPM on their successful fundraising for Leukaemia and Lymphoma. Their continued efforts through many activities has meant that they have raised an incredible £100,000 which will be spent on vital research into blood cancer.' He then finished his speech by asking for more stem cell donors, especially young men, to step forward.

Catriona Tait gave thanks to the generosity and dedication of the company directors Diana and Shakir Al-Zaidi and their team, who have shown monumental fundraising efforts to support Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research in the UK.

Fundraising events have been ceaseless over the past 4 years with staff, family and friends organising numerous activities such as fun days, sponsored bike rides, cake sales, guess the baby's weight and an ice skating marathon. As well as Russell IPM Ltd matching every £1 donated, employees have made regular contributions through their pay roll and through events at industry exhibitions.

In 2010 when it all began, the foundation's message was "We know that we have a mountain to climb. But together we can make it. Together we can make a difference." And now that mountain has been successfully climbed, the foundation can celebrate in supporting cancer research and potentially making a real difference to the 28,500 people diagnosed with blood cancer every year.

The appeal all began after Shakir and Diana Al-Zaidi's grandson, Callum, was diagnosed with leukaemia at a young age. The company set up the foundation after watching Callum's inspirational ordeal and were moved to raise awareness of leukaemia and lymphoma, support research and to help those affected by it in the future. 

As well as reaching the £100,000 target, the fundraising journey has fostered a real community spirit and staff are proud to have been a part of such an amazing achievement. As Diana explains: "I really am so thankful to the local people that got involved and helped us to achieve our target, it wouldn't have been possible without everyone's help. We would especially like to thank all the local businesses who raised so much, such as Ben Taylor from Huws Gray in Flint and Ben Foster from Deeside Leisure Centre, who donated so much of their time to our cause." 

Source: BPCA.org.uk