Over the course of 2025, Northampton-based building materials manufacturer Forterra matched the £22,462 raised by its colleagues to contribute a grand total of £40,677 towards Cancer Research UK.
This impressive donation was raised through several fundraising activities, including the Beaune Challenge, a 534-mile cycling challenge undertaken by Ian Holmes (Group Planning Manager), Nick Parkin (Production Manager), Heather Buttery (Continuous Improvement Manager, Logistics), and Hannah Yell (Area Sales Manager).
The team began the challenge with a 185-mile cycle through the Normandy countryside, followed by a journey to Vichy, from Orleans, through Auvergne and the foothills of the Massif Central. The final part of the journey featured a 160-mile journey through the Beaujolais hills, into the vineyards of Burgundy and finishing in Beaune. The team far surpassed their target of £3000, raising £3541 of which 100% of the donations were given to Cancer Research UK.
A further £7856 was raised through a festive raffle, starting on the 18th of November and ending on the 12th of December, where prizes that had been kindly donated by suppliers and partners were won by staff members across the business.
Alongside the many efforts Forterra organise in the name of charity, staff also run a tuck shop at head office, stocking tasty treats from chocolate bars to instant noodles. It’s ideal for staff that have forgotten their lunch, or for a midday pick-me-up. The tuck shop runs on an honesty box system and proceeds are contributed to the charity funds.
Forterra’s donations show no sign of slowing down, with Desford-based maintenance coordinator Adam Garton running the London Marathon in 2026 in the name of Cancer Research UK.
Joe Parker, Head of Marketing Communications, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the amount we’ve been able to raise for Cancer Research UK, and I’d like to thank everyone’s involvement in every event, from giving donations to volunteering to taking part in impressive athletic feats. So many people are affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime, whether it be themselves or friends and family. This is our way of giving back to the fantastic support that Cancer Research UK provides.”
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