LCRIG chair and industry stalwart Martin Duffy has announced that his grandaughter Isla will be flying to America for potentially life-changing medical treatment, thanks to fundraising efforts from the highways sector.
Isla was born with cerebral palsy and cannot sit independently, crawl or walk. Stem cell treatment has shown positive results for her condition in clinical trials.
She is a match with the stem cells taken from her baby brother, Leo, and has been accepted for treatment by the global leader in this field of research, Dr Joanne Kurtzberg.
The highways sector dug deep to raise almost £20,000 to help fund her treatment and intensive physio, however, they are still some £6,500 off the £25,000 target. Donations can be made at the Just Giving page.
Mr Duffy made a Herculean effort himself doing a cycle ride of over 100 miles in early July to raise cash for Isla.
Meanwhile the sector came together to support a charity initiative devised by former Highways magazine publisher Neil Levett under the catchphrase Give a Cone a Cuddle.
Companies donated £500 to Isla's cause and received a cuddly road cone to be displayed at industry events and had their log featured on the fundraising webpage (www.giveaconeacuddle.co.uk ).
Companies that have sponsored so far include LCRIG, Kiely Group, Associated Asphalt, CLM, Clearway, Messagemaker Displays, Rennicks, Solar Gates UK, Roadmender, RSTA, Westcotec, WJ Group. Asphalt Group Ltd, Henry Williams and Son, Thermal Road Repairs and Highway Care.
In a social media post, Mr Duffy wrote: 'TREATMENT BOOKED... we are off to North Carolina for Isla's stem cell treatment which takes place on 14/15 August. I know she might not look it here, but Isla is really excited and wanted me to say THANK YOU to all of you kind people who have made this possible.
'The Highways sector has so generously come together in support of this campaign and we are asking for your help! If you would like to find out more about Isla’s story and the treatment she needs then please do follow the link below to get your own special cone.'
There is also an initiative from Highway Care to name the cone. The options available include terrible puns so get in there quickly to ensure the sector doesn't get stuck with Toblercone [is this impartial? -Ed].
The campaign has seen sector media brands including Highways magazine, Highways Industry, Highways-News, Traffex and Highways UK work together for the first time to promote Martin’s fundraising.
With only £6,500 left to raise, why would you not want to get involved and give a cone a cuddle?
'Not only will you be supporting a very special young lady on her journey to a better life, but you will also get valuable PR, too,' Mr Levett said.
'Please consider joining the founding supporters of the website and let’s do something really worthwhile as an industry. If all the media competitors can come together for something, then it has to be worthwhile!'
