Construction Community Raises £27,650 at Lighthouse Charity North East’s 70th Anniversary Dinner
70 years on, the North East construction community is still doing what it does best – supporting each other!
The North East region, which started the Lighthouse Charity journey in September 1956, organised a fabulous evening to celebrate 70 years of Lighthouse Charity support, raising more than £27,650 to support the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families.
Held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, the annual dinner marked a significant milestone for the charity, on the week of the 70th anniversary. The evening was made even more special thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, who matched the £13,825.23 raised on the night, doubling the fundraising total and ensuring that even more people can access the vital support services provided by the charity.
Guests enjoyed an evening of fundraising, celebration and entertainment, including a live auction, raffle, wine and water wall, photo booth and plenty of dancing as colleagues from across the sector came together to support a cause close to their hearts.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to improving wellbeing and mental health awareness across the North East construction community. Special awards were presented to Ray Elliott and Sam Warner from the charity’s #MakeItVisible team, in recognition of their dedication to raising awareness, sharing their lived experiences and helping others access support.
Sarah Sidey, Chair of the North East Region, said:
“The dinner provided the opportunity for the sector to get together, let their hair down and raise money for a charity that has supported so many individuals and their families across the region.
It was simply amazing that one person, who remains anonymous, was prepared to donate £13,825.23 to match fund the money raised at the dinner. I’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, attendees and everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success.
It really demonstrates what can be achieved when our industry comes together behind a common cause. Every pound raised will help us continue supporting construction workers and their families when they need us most.”
The evening featured plenty of memorable moments, from spirited bidding in the auction room to some friendly football rivalry, with supporters from both sides of the North East football divide getting involved in the fundraising fun. Guests also enjoyed the chance to let their hair down, with the photo booth, sweet cart and dance floor proving popular throughout the night.
As awareness of the charity continues to grow, so too does demand for its services. Across the North East, the Lighthouse Charity has supported hundreds of people this year through counselling, financial assistance, wellbeing support and complex case management, while nationally thousands of construction workers and their families continue to access help through the charity’s free and confidential services.
The Lighthouse Charity would like to thank the North East Committee for organising the event, including Sarah Sidey, Angela Carney, Catriona Lingwood, Laura Brown, Gary Brannighan, Nick Redpath, Sarah O’Mahoney and Debbie Flynn, as well as sponsors Carney Consultancy, Esh Construction and Bowmer + Kirkland for their generous support.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated prizes, sponsored activities, and contributed to the fundraising effort.
