New Fulwood office fundraising for MND due to family connection with Len Johnrose

Some of the Alcedo Care team completing Len Johnrose’s #icefoot92 challenge

Having recently opened its office at Fulwood Business Park, Alcedo Care Group has selected MND Association as its official charity for 2021.

The charity is close to home for Alcedo as one of its care co-ordinators, Leanne Richardson is the niece of former footballer Len Johnrose, who has motor neurone disease.

To kick-start the fundraising for MND Association, the team at Alcedo Care sourced 18 volunteers to take part in Len’s #icefoot92 challenge, including 10 staff and three clients. Len himself also took part (again) too.

Chelsea Bryans, care manager at Alcedo Care Preston, says: “As a company we care for people of all ages across the North West, many of whom live with various illnesses.

“When choosing a charity to support this year, we wanted one that linked to care, and when Leanne suggested MND Association and how it supports her uncle, it was the natural choice.

“Len’s #icefoot92 challenge has been incredibly successful since Len launched it earlier this month with so many people across the country, including lots of celebrities, taking part. What better way to start our fundraising for MND Association!

“It was great to have staff and clients come to together to participate – it wasn’t easy keeping our feet in a bucket of ice water for 92 seconds but we all did it!”

Leanne, who is based at the Fulwood office, said: “My uncle is truly inspirational and I am so pleased to be able to fundraise for the charity that supports him so well. His #icefoot92 challenge has gone viral in recent weeks so it was good to get Alcedo involved too.

“I hope the momentum continues so that my uncle smashes the £92,000 target he set and that as much money as possible can be raised for MND Association’s care and research work.”

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Tom Quirk, Regional Fundraiser for the North West for MND Association, said: “We are delighted to have been nominated as Alcedo Care’s charity of the year for 2021. We have had incredible support from people across the country for Len’s IceFoot92 challenge and we can’t wait to see Alcedo Care take the plunge!

“Len is one of 5,000 people in the UK currently living with MND and the money raised by Alcedo Care will go towards supporting their care needs, campaigning on their behalf and finding a cure for this devastating disease.”

To donate, visit the MND Association website.

Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.

Have you done the #icefoot92 challenge? Let us know in the comments.