KELLY’S HEROES COMPLETE ,-MILE CHARITY RIDE IN BRIEF
NEWS
• Exlabesa has confirmed it
will be exhibiting at the „„
FIT Show, with a ‘prominent’
stand reservation.
The UK-based extruder
says it has picked FIT Show
„„ as its platform to
‘springboard’ the brand
amongst the UK market. The
commitment to FIT Show
reportedly follows a ‘bumper
sales period’ for Exlabesa
over the last three months.
Exlabesa will sit alongside
AluK, Comar and a number
of the Council for Aluminium
in Building (CAB) members
who will bring a broad
selection of aluminium
products to FIT Show next
May („“-„”, „„).
Exlabesa sales director,
Kevin Warner, said: “We are
looking to firmly cement the
presence of Exlabesa as a
leading UK extruder of
aluminium. We’re one of the
industry’s best kept secrets
and it’s time for us to shout
about our offering to the UK
market. Visitors to FIT Show
„„ can expect to see our
complete trade and retail
product range. Our team of
aluminium experts will be on
hand to guide them at every
step of the way.
“As well as meeting our
existing customers, we are on
a drive to build our UK
market position which means
engaging with as many new
prospects as possible – FIT
Show „„ will be the perfect
platform for us.”
FIT Show event director,
Nickie West, added: “The
presence of aluminium has
gone from strength to
strength at FIT Show and we
are excited to have such a
forward thinking and
ambitious brand on board.”
www.ggpmag.com | September
Glazerite UK Group’s Chairman, John
Hewitt, has completed a ,-mile cycle
ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in
memory of his late daughter Kelly, who
took her own life in 8.
John was joined by friends and
family – nicknamed Kelly’s Heroes – for
the arduous „-day challenge, which saw
them climb …†,ft and battle through
wind, rain and occasional sunshine. As
a result, the team has raised £8,
so far for the charity We Mind & Kelly
Matters, which John and Kelly’s mum and
sister set up to honour the Œ-year-old.
John said: “Kelly took her own life
following a short battle with anxiety and
depression, something which sadly affects
millions around the world. We don’t
want anyone else to experience the pain
we have, and we feel that the best way
to remember Kelly is to do something
positive in her memory and support
others who are struggling with mental
health issues.”
Kelly’s Heroes set off from John
O’Groats and arrived in Land’s End on
Friday 8 August to a socially distanced
crowd of well-wishers. Many of the
people who were passed or met on the
route have reportedly since donated to
the charity, something which is said to
have really touched the team.
John added: “It was a memorable
experience for us all. The pain we
experienced was wiped out by the
jubilation we felt when we reached the
end of each day. The hardest part for
me was cycling up the Kirkstone Pass in
Cumbria in extremely windy conditions.
I was in tears, but I knew I had to keep
going, not for me, but for Kelly, and those
who struggle with their mental health
daily.”
Prior to and during the ride, Kelly’s
Heroes received huge support in the form
of sponsorship and donations from the
fenestration industry, as well as suppliers
and customers, including main sponsors
Veka and the Independent Network.
John continued: “Myself and the team
have been hugely supported by many
of Glazerite’s suppliers, customers and
competitors, and many others from the
industry. It’s been such a huge outpouring
of support for what is a global problem
that affects us all in some way or other,
and the whole team are immensely
grateful. We couldn’t have done it without
them and every penny raised will go
towards educating people and suicide
prevention. The support received will
literally help save lives.”
The team also received messages
of support from sporting legends
including former Arsenal and England
footballer Kelly Smith MBE, current
and former Northampton Saints rugby
players Harry Mallinder, Alex Waller
and Steve Thompson MBE, and cycling
commentator Phil Liggett MBE.
The next step for We Mind & Kelly
Matters is to continue to promote
awareness of mental health issues
in Northamptonshire’s schools and
businesses, where Glazerite has its
headquarters, as well as support the work
of other charities like MIND.
There are also plans for another
cycling challenge in . John said:
“We will never forget Kelly and we will
do all we can to help others in the same
position she was, and hopefully make a
difference.”
The team hope the final figure raised
will surpass £,.
To donate, please visit:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.
com/charity-web/charity/
displayCharityCampaignPage.
action?charityCampaignUrl=kellysheroes
Glazerite chairman, John Hewitt, and
Kelly’s Heroes have so far raised over
£8, for We Mind & Kelly Matters
/www.ggpmag.com
