Jessica Ma Award Winners 2021
In December 2014, one of our founding trustees, Jessica Ma, sadly lost her battle with cancer. In memory of Jessica’s dedication and contribution to Caring Matters Now, the Board of Trustees introduced the Jessica Ma Award. The Jessica Ma Award recognises individuals who had gone above and beyond in their efforts to raise funds for Caring Matters Now.
Despite 2021 being another difficult year of lockdowns and restrictions, we have been blown away by the fundraising efforts of so many! We would like to extend a huge thank you to every single one of you. We want you to know that every penny raised makes a huge difference. We could not do what we do, without you.
At the end of 2021, Jessica’s husband Peter and their two children, Pascale & Jasper, chose a winner and a runner up to receive the 2021 Jessica Ma Award.
Winner – Cargill Family
When Hannah & Dan’s little girl Arizona was born with CMN, the whole family stepped up and got involved in supporting Caring Matters Now. Nine of Arizona’s family members, including mum & dad, aunts & uncles and even grandparents, were all sponsored to get a CMN tattoo. Together, they raised an amazing £8,317.00.
Jessica’s husband Peter said; “what we liked most about this fundraiser is that multi-generations of the same family came together in support of Arizona”.
After receiving their award, Hannah said; “We are so honoured to have been given this award. Our family are overwhelmed at the many generous donations ‘Arizona’s Ink’ received. We have been so wonderfully supported by Caring Matters Now for the past 2 years, and we’re very glad to have had the opportunity to give back. We all love our tattoos and we carry a little bit of our gorgeous Arizona with us, every day.”
Runner Up – Maria Ritchie
Maria encouraged ten of her colleagues to take part in a 4-week fundraiser consisting of walking, cycling and running 1260km for Caring Matters Now. Maria was motivated to support the charity because of her friend’s granddaughter who has CMN. The team of fundraisers ended up completing 1380km and raising a fantastic £1,885.00.
Peter said; “We loved the fact that Maria motivated 10 colleagues and friends to take on this fundraiser for the granddaughter of a friend. That’s selfless and inspiring”.
After receiving her award, Maria said; “My colleagues and I are truly honoured and delighted to receive this award in memory of Jessica and thank her family for considering me. We achieved over and beyond our expectations because the emphasis was on “Team” effort; I am privileged to work with such a great Team in Stratford upon Avon. My story of Scarlett, a friend’s granddaughter, moved my colleagues immensely and wanted to fundraise. With the constraints of lockdown we created a challenge we could all take part in: to walk or run 1260 km, collectively as a Team, combining the 2.6 challenge and the amount of moles Scarlett has on her body, over 1000. Inspired by her bravery we clocked up 1380km! And very generous donations. It was a real pleasure to fundraise for a charity that really makes a difference, thank you.”
We would like to express our congratulations to both deserved winners – what an amazing achievement!
If you would like to raise funds for Caring Matters Now in 2022 as we celebrate our 25th year, please click here to find out more or get in touch by emailing fundraise@caringmattersnow.co.uk.
