JCW take pride, and offer support where we can, when our staff are involved in fund raising opportunities for not-for-profit organisations. We also aim to build trusted, long lasting relationships with companies we work with, such as sub-contractors and suppliers. We often support each other and our staff and families, in fund-raising, donating and promoting charitable events. Enterprise Holdings Foundation was established in 1982 to give back to communities where their partners and employees live and work. In 2021 $57.7 million was donated and 98% of the grants fulfilled were requests by employees and partners to help community causes they personally champion and actively support. We asked our fleet solution partner Enterprise if this year Enterprise Holdings Foundation would support and donate to Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), which is particularly meaningful for our Company Secretary, Gemma and her family…

Here’s Why

James Ellary, the brother of Gemma’s step daughter, was diagnosed with rapid onset Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in January 2021. A fundraiser was initially started by James’ family, to obtain necessary equipment for him, such as a motorised bed. Without fundraising, this was not possible.

Sadly James passed away within 6 months of his diagnosis, on 5th June 2021, at the age of just 23, leaving behind a wife and 2 very young children, Arthur and Athena, and his devastated family. They decided to continue the fundraising, and it continues to this day, raising money for MNDA, via raffles, sporting events such as marathons and triathlons. In November, his very young daughter even raised nearly £1000 by completing 300 squats.

MNDA Cheque Presentation — Sarah Williams, our Enterprise Account Manager with Lynne, our Fleet Manager, on the right.

Gemma also explained that James’ family have worked tirelessly to raise funds before James passed away, and ever since in his memory, as a way to spread awareness for MND. So little is known about this disease, due to poor funding, and yet it sadly affects so many.

This is why Gemma asked Enterprise to make the MNDA the charity they supported on JCW’s behalf this year, and why Lynne (our Fleet Manager, pictured on the right) was presented with this giant cheque at the end of July.

Enterprise Holdings Foundation’s generous donation will go towards MNDAs work in providing helplines, equipment loan services, financial support, run community aids, care and community centres, as well as online forums for those that have been diagnosed with MND and people who know someone who has.

Having the opportunity to nominate MNDA, as well as a different not-for-profit cause with Enterprise is great, for growing our shared social value and partnership.

If you feel inspired by James’ story, or want to celebrate his life and spread awareness around MND, here are a few things you could do:

To learn more about James’ story, read this article by the Biggleswade local newspaper, from June 2021.
To help understand and spread awareness around MND, have a look at the MNDAs website here.
Donate to, or share James’ fundraiser page here.
Visit this link to the Santa Pod event where James’ mother in law explains what the fundraising group are trying to do.
Check out this just giving page of James’ daughter completing the 300 squats, raising £985.00 for MNDA in memory of her Dad.