Award-winning Site Manager Puts His Mind To Fundraising

Dec. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- AN AWARD-WINNING Miller Homes site manager has gone the distance to raise hundreds of pounds for mental health charity Mind.  

Lee Howard, a senior site manager at Miller Homes’ Mariners Way development, raised £800 after experiencing first-hand the invaluable support that charities such as Mind offer to people.

The father-of-two from Bishop Auckland was so overwhelmed by how Mind’s partner organisations helped his daughter, Leanne that he was inspired to complete the Great North Run for the first time this autumn on behalf of Mind.

In preparation for the half marathon, Lee was inundated with offers of sponsorship from members of his family, friends and colleagues and raised £550, which was then boosted to £800 following a donation from Miller Group’s Charity Review Committee.  

Lee, who was named an ‘award winning site manager’ for his work at the Mariners Way development in Seaham during the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job Awards 2012, said: “Organisations such as Mind provide essential support to so many individuals and their families when they need it most. Having seen how this can help people to turn their lives around it is a cause very close to my heart.

“I was completely overwhelmed by the fantastic encouragement and generosity which I received from my friends and family, and also from Miller Homes. Every penny raised will allow Mind to continue helping those affected by mental health issues.

“Completing the Great North Run was such an unforgettable experience and I am so pleased I was able to do it on behalf of such an amazing charity.”

Steve McElroy, Miller Homes’ North East sales director, added: “Each year Mind offers a much needed lifeline to thousands of people, and without the charity’s support many people affected by mental health problems would be unable to access the services they need, so we were delighted to support Lee’s fundraising through the Miller Group Charity Review Committee.”

Alexa Hawkins-Bell, events co-ordinator at Mind, said: “We are so proud of Lee who took on the great challenge of running the Great North Run for Mind this year. Lee has been an amazing fundraiser, and we are delighted that he has been a part of the Mind team.

“With his help, we are able to keep our infoline open, providing support and advice to everyone experiencing mental health problems. A huge thank you to Lee, the Miller Group and all of the people that have supported him, you really have made a difference.”

Mind’s network of 169 independent local Minds provides essential support to people with mental health problems across England and Wales. Nationally, the charity helps 280,000 people every year and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote a better understanding of mental health.