THIS year’s Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity Lunch raised a whopping £180,000 for families involved in the sector.
Over 950 guests attended the event at the Westminster Park Plaza.
Taking the helm were rugby presenter and commentator David ‘Flats’ Flatman, along with Ellie Costello, Weekend Breakfast presenter and journalist. Flats spoke about the similarities between the macho image of rugby and the construction sector, highlighting the need for continued awareness of poor emotional wellbeing.
As always the heads and tails game got everyone buzzing and even tested the audience’s knowledge of turkey cooking times!
The charity’s ‘Peter Capel’ Cup is awarded every year in recognition of outstanding achievement and contributions from organisations that support the charity. Multiplex triumphed this year for the firm’s fundraising activities and ensuring its team and supply chain are aware of all the support available to them.
Accepting the award was Claire Scrimgeour, health, safety and training project manager at Multiplex, who said, “Multiplex takes great pride in supporting the Lighthouse Charity and we are honoured to receive the Peter Capel Cup. The charity holds a significant place in our hearts, and we are proud to work with and support them and those in our industry.”
Guests enjoyed a three course meal and auctioneer Addison Gelpey prompted some frantic bidding for some unique lots including a VIP tour of the Aston Martin F1 Team Campus, a luxury holiday in India, and VIP event tickets for top football matches and concerts.
Top sporting celebrities then graced the stage. First out of the starting blocks was Bernie Collins, strategy analyst for the Sky Sports F1 team and former race strategy engineer for Aston Martin. She joked about how her knowledge of rainy weather in Ireland helped her make strategic race winning decisions when calling in drivers for tyre changes and talked about the challenges of being a young female in a male-dominated industry.
Next up was England wheelchair rugby duo, Martin and Tom Coyd. Martin spoke about the development of Wheelchair Rugby League in England and winning the Wheelchair World Cup in 2022. Tom Coyd, head coach for the team, shared how the sport was bringing together people of all abilities and helping to instil a sense of inclusivity and achievement.
Legendary football manager Harry Redknapp then spoke about his lengthy career and his lack of knowledge about what was involved when he was enticed to sign up for ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2018.
Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said, “Our annual lunch is always one of our biggest fundraising events and every year I continue to be staggered by the huge generosity of our supporters especially during these difficult times. Now, more than ever, the industry needs our support and I am always humbled by how we all come together; not just to celebrate our successes, but to make sure that our hard work continues to not only change lives, but to save lives too.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and sponsors who make the day such a huge success and for all the fabulous prizes we are offered for the lotto, heads and tails and our auctions.”
The afternoon finished with tribute band Re-Take That treating the audience to some of their greatest hits. The festivities continued into the evening with guests making the most of the networking opportunities.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can reach out for free and confidential support now. 24/7 Construction Industry Helplines: 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) 50808 (ROI)
