A Family of Farleigh Fundraisers!

Fundraising really is a family affair for the Hariram family from Chelmsford. With three generations of the family undertaking numerous activities to raise money in aid of Farleigh Hospice.

After experiencing the vital support the hospice provides to those affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement, Lloyd Hariram and his family have since devoted time and effort to supporting Farleigh whenever possible.

Last year, Lloyd kindly nominated Farleigh for Charity of the Year 2020 at his place of work, Aegon. Aegon is one of the world’s leading financial services organisations, providing life insurance, pensions and asset management. Each year Aegon invites employees to nominate a charity and then selects a final five to raise money for over that 12-month period. With a workforce of over 2,000 staff, the firm receives thousands of nominations. Farleigh made the final selection, thanks to Lloyd’s heartfelt nomination.

Despite the pandemic limiting what fundraising activities could take place, the company raised over £3,718. Aegon’s Charity Committee had to get creative to ensure it continued to fundraise despite the restrictions of lockdowns, home working and social distancing. They met the challenge with virtual COVID-secure events such as Strictly Come Dancing and Champions League predictor competitions and a ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ at home cooking challenge, for which Lloyd helped by making a bespoke chopping board as a prize.

Commenting on why he nominated Farleigh, Lloyd said: “After someone special to me and my family used the services of Farleigh Hospice, we experienced first-hand the amazing work and services that they provide. This experience motivated us to look at ways we could help raise funds for the hospice. To date, we’ve taken part in Farleigh events like the Bubble Rush, Cycle for Life as well as their various running challenges.

“My employer, Aegon, invites their staff to nominate a charity for their Charity of the Year. During this year the company organises fundraising events and donates all proceeds to that cause. I didn’t hesitate in putting Farleigh forward for the 2020 nomination and I was delighted when they were selected. The last year has been a very different year with the pandemic, and the Aegon Charity Committee had to arrange alternative COVID-safe events in order to raise money. I am really happy we were able to raise this amount on behalf of Aegon to help Farleigh Hospice continue the great work that they do.”

Mike Holliday-Williams, CEO, Aegon UK comments: “Against a backdrop of virtual meetings, isolation and lockdowns, Aegon employees have gone above and beyond in 2020 to support the company’s commitment to giving back to our local communities. From nominating the charities close to their hearts, through to the passion and dedication shown in raising these funds for fantastic causes – I was in awe at the persistence and creativity from everyone involved. But these efforts are made even more special when you know about the connection a colleague has with a charity they’ve nominated, like Lloyd has with Farleigh Hospice. I’m glad we could help him and his family support something so important to them.”

The fundraising efforts of the Hariram family extend beyond Lloyd’s nomination for Aegon’s Charity of the Year. Fundraising for Farleigh is a true family affair. With three generations joining forces for a good cause. Lloyds father, wife and son have all joined him in his efforts to raise money in aid of the hospice.

The family has taken part in the last two Farleigh Bubble Rush events in Promenade Park. Lloyd and his wife Natalie also took part in the Cycle for Life in 2019, which was held on their second wedding anniversary. Not only did the date of the event coincide with their anniversary, but the route also went past the church that the couple got married in! Farleigh even featured a photograph of the couple in its coverage of the day.

Their son Rueben is also an active fundraiser and with his grandfather’s help, has been making and selling lavender bags in aid of Farleigh Hospice. Rueben uses lavender from his grandfather’s garden and hand sews the bags using material that has been donated from family and friends. In addition to the lavender bags, Rueben has also been selling fresh herbs from his own herb garden as another way to raise money. During the early part of the pandemic he also made and donated facemasks and boredom busting packs to those shielding in his community.

Debbie de Boltz, Fundraising Manager at Farleigh Hospice says: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to both Aegon and the Hariram family for all they have done to raise money for us! Nominations for Charity of the Year schemes play a vital role in our fundraising. The funding we receive from corporate donations enables us to continue our work providing care and support for those affected by a life-limiting illness across mid-Essex.

“COVID-19 made fundraising particularly hard in 2020, so it really is phenomenal that Aegon was able to raise such a large amount. We applaud the Hariram family’s continued fundraising efforts, their support means so much to us. Rueben’s creative and industrious ideas, coupled with his acts of kindness to the vulnerable in his community, are an inspiration. We’re sure we’ll be featuring Rueben as a standalone case study to showcase more of his fundraising efforts in the future!”

If you and your family are interested in helping, visit our fundraising page www.farleighhospice.org/fundraise to find how you can start fundraising for Farleigh Hospice and help support people in our community affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement.