AFM to support Jersey Brain Tumour Charity throughout 2016

Monday 07 March 2016

A charity that supports Islanders affected by the life-changing diagnosis of brain tumours is set to benefit from the on-going support of the Channel Islands’ largest facilities management company.

AFM Jersey began its search at the end of last year to find a charity to support throughout 2016.

After a large number of applications, the Jersey Brain Tumour Charity (JBTC) was selected by the company’s 120 staff to benefit from a range of planned initiatives, including support with fundraising activities and practical assistance such as office cleaning, planned maintenance, DIY and health and safety advice.

AFM Jersey’s general manager, Philip Le Claire, said that the staff had been asked to vote for their preferred charity from a shortlist of applicants and they had voted overwhelmingly for the JBTC. One of the main reasons for choosing the JBTC was that as well as acknowledging the excellent work that they do, a number of employees’ friends and ex-colleagues had been diagnosed with brain tumours.

"We were delighted with the number of applications we received from local charities and organisations, all of which had a strong case to receive our support. However our entire staff team were asked to vote and agreed that the personal connection that some AFM employees shared with JBTC and the work they do for brain tumour patients in the Island, made them the perfect partner for us this year," he said.

JBTC was formed in 2011 to help and support the residents of Jersey affected by the diagnosis of brain tumours. The charity is self-funded and needs to raise between £60,000 and £80,000 per year to cover the costs of running its core services, comprising of the monthly ‘brain buddies’ support group, 24/7 help line, specialist face-to-face support and critical finance support, which funds the specialist care of each individual patient.

The charity has planned a number of fundraising events and activities that AFM staff will be giving their time away to support, including flag days, golf days, corporate events and other initiatives throughout the year.

Kevin Pamplin, business manager at JBTC, said they were excited to have been picked by AFM as their chosen charity for 2016.

He said: "The fact that it was the staff themselves who selected us means a great deal to us and makes the partnership even more special. As a small charity, we rely on the support of businesses like AFM to help us reach out to Islanders and provide practical, emotional and financial support to anyone who experiences a brain tumour diagnosis. With AFM’s help, we’re hoping to achieve so much more this year and we can’t wait to get started."