The Reed Foundation, is donating £10,000 every week, for a year, to support 52 different charities, chosen by its employees. This means that by April 2025, the Reed Foundation will have donated an incredible £520,000. The initiative is a celebration of Reed’s 65th year of business and its Founder, Sir Alec’s 90th birthday.
A charity chosen through lived experience
Every week, a Reed employee is drawn randomly to nominate a charity of their choice to receive the incredible donation. This time around, it was Derrick Codling, Senior Temporaries Consultant based in Reed’s Bristol office, who opted to support the Bristol-based charity.
Friends of Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre supports patients and families at one of the city’s leading cancer treatment centres. The charity works to improve the environment in which patients receive care, fund equipment and research, and provide practical comfort during treatment.
“It was a simple decision for me,” Derrick said. “My sister Carol worked at the Oncology Centre after she had previously been diagnosed and treated for cancer. Later in her life, she received further treatment there herself.”
Derrick has since lost both his sister and his father to cancer, and the centre is currently supporting his mother as she undergoes treatment.
“I know first‑hand how important considerate and strong support is - not just for those undergoing cancer treatment, but for their family and friends too,” he explained. “That support can often be constrained by funding, so I hope this donation helps other families get the care and comfort they need during incredibly difficult times.”
Making a difference within the centre
Friends of Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre has supported the hospital for over two decades, responding to requests from staff and funding equipment that can significantly improve patients’ experiences and outcomes.
Speaking about the impact of the donation, Olivia Grogono, Chair of the charity, said: “I’ve been involved with the friends for more than 20 years. We make a real difference by funding equipment and supporting the staff at the centre.
“We’re constantly being asked to help, and donations like this mean we’re able to respond - whether that’s providing equipment that helps save lives or making patients more comfortable during treatment.”
She added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Derrick for nominating us for this donation. It will help us continue supporting patients and families when they need it most.”
Giving shaped by trust and connection
For Derrick, the opportunity to direct the donation was a way to honour his family’s experiences and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
“I know how difficult it is for the person going through treatment, and for everyone around them,” he said. “I simply wanted to make a difference for families supporting someone they love, because that support plays such a crucial role when you’re affected by cancer.”
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