Staff at a leading UK housebuilder have demonstrated remarkable commitment to charitable causes, raising a combined total of more than £60,000 for national and local good causes throughout 2025.
Major Fundraising Drives for Cancer Research UK
Between January and October 2025, employees from Bellway Thames Gateway dedicated themselves to a series of physical challenges to support the company's national charity partner. Through activities including golf days, long-distance runs, walks, and cycling events, the team successfully generated £57,000 for Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
This effort contributes to a much larger legacy of support. Bellway has been a national partner of CRUK since 2016 and, by the close of the previous year, had raised over £4 million for the charity. The company has now set its sights on reaching the £5 million milestone this year.
Highlight Events and Employee Efforts
A standout event in the fundraising calendar was the charity golf day held in October 2025 at The Heron Country Club in Brentwood. This single event raised an impressive £47,248 for CRUK. The total was boosted by Bellway's match-funding policy, with £20,000 added to the £27,248 raised on the day.
Individual employees also took on significant personal challenges. In June 2025, a trio of colleagues – Mackenzie Sharp, Julie Webb, and Agha Haider – tackled the demanding Big Hike 2025, raising £2,160 for the cancer charity through their efforts.
Vital Support for Local Community Charities
Alongside the national partnership, Bellway Thames Gateway also directed significant support to charities operating in the communities where it builds new homes. Over the same period, the division distributed a further £3,300 in donations to a range of local organisations.
One beneficiary was St Luke’s Hospice, which provides end-of-life care across Basildon and Thurrock. A £500 donation will aid its work supporting more than 2,700 patients annually. Gemma Woodhurst, Corporate Fundraising Officer at the hospice, expressed gratitude for the generous contribution, which helps fund specialist palliative care.
Other local charities that received support included:
- Ellenor Hospice in North Kent and Bexley
- The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust in Biggin Hill
- New Avenues in Dartford
- MammaKind in south-east London
- Polly’s Pad at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity
- The Maudsley Charity in south London
Leadership Praise for a Charitable Culture
Richard Burrows, Managing Director of Bellway Thames Gateway, praised his team's dedication. He highlighted the company's pride in its long-standing support for CRUK's vital work in prevention, detection, and searching for a cure.
"As a socially responsible developer, we also reach out to local charities and organisations in the communities where we build new homes," said Burrows. "We feel a tremendous sense of pride that so many of our employees embrace our charitable work and not only donate, but give up their own time to tackle challenges and help organise fundraising events."
The combined efforts of the Thames Gateway division throughout 2025 showcase a powerful model of corporate social responsibility, where national charitable partnerships and hyper-local community support work hand in hand to create a substantial positive impact.
