Everyone Active recognised at blood cancer charity awards

Leisure operator Everyone Active has been recognised at an awards ceremony for its work in supporting blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

The operator won the Organisational Fundraiser of the Year Award at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2016 at an event in the House of Commons, which was attended by campaigners, fundraisers, volunteers, MPs, life saving stem cell donors and celebrities.

Everyone Active has supported Anthony Nolan since March 2015 after two members of staff received stem cell transplants. Chris Spencer, Everyone Active’s general manager at Hornchurch Leisure Centre, received his second stem cell transplant in 2013 to treat bone marrow failure.

The operator has raised over £130,000 to date. This year, in gyms across the country, staff and members took part in fundraising challenges that included sponsored leg waxes and head shaves, a 24-hour swim, zumbathons, spinathons and fancy dress exercise classes.

Ben Beevers, Everyone Active’s associate director, said: “We’re thrilled to have won Organisational Fundraiser of the Year at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards. Thousands of people have been given a second chance of life by Anthony Nolan, and we’re proud to support them in any crazy way we can.”

Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential stem cell donors to blood cancer patients in need of a stem cell transplant. It also carries out research to make stem cell transplants more successful, and supports patients through their transplant journey.

Henny Braund, Anthony Nolan chief executive, said: “Everyone Active is an incredibly deserving winner. We rely on the funds raised by supporters like them to continue our lifesaving work, and we’re lucky to benefit from their energy, enthusiasm and commitment.”