Staff at a Cardiff insurance broker have helped raise more than £15,000 to support a toddler with a rare life-limiting genetic condition.
The fundraising was led by Jelf Insurance Cardiff Branch Manager Brian Watson, whose nephew, Archie, suffers from Tay-Sachs disease which affects the nervous system and limits the toddler’s life expectancy to around four years. The money raised will be shared between Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice and the Cure and Action for Tay-Sachs (CATS) Foundation.
Brian, whose brother Brad, Archie’s father, also works for Jelf at the Cardiff office in Llanishen, has taken part in the St David’s 5K run, the Cardiff Half Marathon and, along with Brad, the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, a Jelf golf day and the Movember moustache-growing challenge, as well as selling merchandise and assisted in the organising of a charity night.
Tay-Sachs is a disease which affects the nervous system and means children with the condition have a life expectancy of around four years. The CATS Foundation is dedicated to providing treatment and support for families and Archie is the only child in Wales with the disease.
On his fundraising efforts Brian, who lives in Caerphilly, said: “It has been a busy year but there is still so much more to be done. After Christmas I’ll start training for the Brighton Marathon and there is still seven months to go on the 10k a day challenge which I have helped organise on behalf of the CATS Foundation.”
This year, Jelf has made the CATS Foundation one of its nominated charities and a golf day organised by the company raised over £3,500 for the cause.
Julian Hilton, Regional Managing Director for Jelf, said: “We are more than happy to help Brad and Brian in any way we can. What Brian has achieved this year is awe-inspiring and he should be very proud of the money he has raised.”
Brian added: “My colleagues at Jelf have never grumbled when I have asked them to put their hands in their pockets and their support has been invaluable. Our insurance partners and even other brokers have got involved too which is very much appreciated.
“Both the CATS Foundation and Tŷ Hafan are exceptional charities and we will continue to support them with fundraising for as long as we can.”
Tŷ Hafan offers comfort, care and support for life-limited children and young people and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the whole family. This comfort and support extends out of the hospice and reaches right into the heart of the family home, and is completely free of charge to the families in Wales who need it.
Jelf Insurance Brokers has more than 30 offices across England and Wales. The company provides a full range of insurance services to businesses of all sizes, including specialist insurance in niche sectors and personal insurance to individuals.