SPAR UK reaches £4m fundraising milestone for Marie Curie

SPAR UK is celebrating a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with Marie Curie, having raised £4 million since 2017.

Ian Taylor, SPAR UK retail & brand development director, said: “We are incredibly proud of the efforts made by our colleagues, customers and suppliers in supporting Marie Curie. Their dedication has made a tangible difference to the lives of those needing end-of-life care.

“Marie Curie Nurses carry out vital work every day and night to support people in their homes, providing expert end-of-life care and vital emotional support. Our ongoing support is a reflection of our commitment to them and the communities we serve.”

Since the partnership began, SPAR stores, colleagues, and Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) have organised fundraising efforts in support of Marie Curie. Initiatives have included:

• SPAR own-label fundraising – Over £206,000 raised through sales of fresh daffodils and linked CRM campaigns on SPAR Brand products during the Great Daffodil Appeal.

• Limited-edition SPAR Brand products – Over £69,000 raised through sales of SPAR Brand sandwiches featuring Marie Curie Nurses.

• Event fundraising – SPAR UK has incorporated fundraising into key events, such as its annual golf day and conferences in Gran Canaria and South Africa, with £153,000 raised to date.

SPAR’s five Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) have also played a vital role in fundraising efforts:

• Appleby Westward & James Hall & Co enabled the delivery of one million pieces of PPE to Marie Curie Nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting 150,000 nursing hours.

• James Hall & Co took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in July 2024, raising £40,000 – enough to fund 1,739 hours of nursing care.

• AF Blakemore & Son not only raises funds but also actively supports Marie Curie’s hospices. Through its new company-wide partnership, the business aims to raise £250,000 across its SPAR stores, logistics warehouses, Philpotts stores, and head office support teams.

• CJ Lang & Son has organised ambitious fundraising challenges, including a Ben Nevis climb, fire-walking, and zip-lining across the Clyde, raising over £50,000 through one event alone. Cj Lang’s partnership with Rollover Hotdogs has funded 609 hours of care over three years.

• Henderson Group has raised £80,000 from its 60th anniversary gala and over £350,000 through its Tea Party campaign, contributing to a total of £1 million expected to be raised by summer in support of care in Northern Ireland.