Crown Worldwide presents a cheque for £100,000 to DEBRA after a year of fundraising for its charity of the year.

Crown Worldwide Group has raised a staggering £100,000 for its ‘Charity of the Year’, DEBRA. For 12 months, Crown has been volunteering its time to fundraise thousands of pounds for DEBRA, the national charity that supports individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – a genetic skin blistering conditio.

 
On 5 February, Crown’s Regional Managing Director, Barry Koolen presented a cheque to DEBRA’s Chief Executive, Ben Merrett, at a presentation afternoon at Crown’s offices in Enfield. The money raised will enable DEBRA to offer specialist care and support the people affected by this devastating condition and continue to search for effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for EB.

David Hollins, Regional General Manager at Crown Relocations, said: “It’s been a privilege to raise money for DEBRA. Our teams across the country have shown incredible enthusiasm and dedication throughout the year. DEBRA is a great charity that does amazing things for those with EB, so it’s an honour for Crown to be able to support the work they do.”

Ben Merrett, Chief Executive of DEBRA, commented: “The team at Crown Worldwide have been outstanding in their fundraising efforts and I want to thank them all. The money they have donated will allow us to continue our holistic approach to our care from birth, for as long as it’s needed and will enable us to continue supporting individuals and families affected by EB.”

Over the past 12 months, teams from around the UK have taken part in a variety of charity fundraisers including a 250 foot long zip wire ride, a 150 foot abseil and a London to Paris cycle. Other initiatives included jumping from the world’s highest bungee jump, staff quiz nights, cake sales, collection buckets and a wear green to work day, just to name a few.

EB is caused by a breakdown in the natural proteins that hold the skin and internal membranes together resulting in painful sores and blisters, which have to be lanced and dressed daily – a painful procedure, taking hours. EB affects one in 17,000 births and there are at least 5,000 people with the condition in the UK. For more information please visit, www.debra.org.uk .

Photo: Left to right: Frank Hopping (Property, Contracts & Project Management Crown), Barry Koolen (Regional Managing Director Crown), Ben Merrett (Chief Exec DEBRA) and John Parker (Regional Fundraising Manager DEBRA).