Trade rallies to support cancer employee

A drinks distributor has mobilised staff to help raise money to support an employee battling a rare form of cancer.

Leanne (left) with Isabel, one of her two daughters

Leanne Kidd, a sales manager at Derbyshire-based Cellar Trends, was diagnosed with non Hodgkin’s high grade T cell lymphoma at the start of the year.

Only one in a million people are affected by the rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

Since hearing the news, staff have swung into action launching a year-long campaign to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research – Leanne’s chosen charity.

Cellar Trends’ Lisa Duckenfield, who is leading the appeal, said: “We are appealing to colleagues, friends, family and Leanne’s many contacts in the drinks industry.

“Leanne is very appreciative of these efforts. They make a real difference and give her strength to keep fighting.”

More than £2,500 has already been raised with three employees set to take part in “Run to the Beat” – a charity event combining running and music in London’s Wembley Park on September 14.

Shortly, the sales team from Cellar Trends will be flying to Spain where they plan to hold a sponsored boot camp to raise more funds for the charity.

Writing on the campaign’s Just Giving page, Lisa said: “As many of you know the Cellar Trends team spend a “little bit of time” visiting our brands, to understand them and to be able to share their stories with our customers.

“In May, the team are flying to Spain to be introduced to Licor 43 – whilst there it won’t all be long lunches and late evenings. We are getting the team up very early for a sponsored boot camp on the beach. We will be working out as a team……. it may not be a marathon, or a crazy mud challenge, but we will be working together and working hard!”

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Donations can be made via Lisa’s JustGiving page.