JDDK’s Transylvanian Challenge
Whilst many companies like to boast of their after-sales service, Newcastle-based architects Jane Darbyshire & David Kendall Ltd (JDDK), have raised the bar by not only designing and managing the construction of the new £2.8m Day Services Outpatient Suite at St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle, but also having two members of their staff (very) actively involved in raising money for the Hospice.
JDDK project architect, Stuart Franklin, and Associate, Nicky Hodgson, are currently training hard for the Hospice’s 2009 Transylvanian Challenge – a nine day adventure that will see 30 volunteers trekking in Romania’s Transylvanian Alps before cycling across the Transylvanian plateau and then spending their final three days working at the Casa Sperantei (Home of Hope) Hospice in Brasov. Since its establishment in 1992 as the first hospice in Romania, the centre has cared for more than 11,000 adults and children and trained more than 9,000 healthcare professionals and has become a partner of St Oswald’s in Newcastle.
Nicky Hodgson commented, “As a practice, we’ve built up very close links with St Oswald’s and have worked on the various stages since 1987. The current annual operational costs of the hospice are around £7m of which only £2m comes from statutory authorities so they need to raise some £5m a year to continue their fantastic work.”
“Stuart has just completed their latest development, the Day Services Outpatient Suite, and mentioned the Challenge, we just thought it would be a fantastic way to raise money for such a good cause. JDDK has already sponsored us and we’re currently working on friends to raise the rest of the sponsorship money we need.”
Jennie Evans, Community Fundraiser at St Oswald’s, added, “We’re really excited about this overseas challenge. It incorporates something for everyone – hiking, cycling, voluntary project work and beautiful scenery on the way. We are thrilled that Stuart and Nicky have signed up to the challenge and I wish them both lots of luck. We are extremely grateful, as they will be helping to raise vital funds for St Oswald’s, ensuring we can continue providing specialist care for North East adults and children with life limiting conditions.”
Places for the challenge are still available, with further information available at www.stoswaldsuk.org or contact Jennie Evans on (0191) 285 0063.
