Cash boost for Nacton school

TWO Ipswich-based TUX employees have taken the plunge to raise cash for Nacton Primary School.

Mark Ayre and James Ashby, both based at Wherstead Park, took part in a sponsored abseil off the Ipswich Hospital maternity block to raise funds for school imrpovements.

Mark became involved in raising money for the school through his daughter, Georgia, who attends the reception class. The school recently undertook a building project, which resulted in an extension providing a new classroom, disabled access toilets, offices, staff room and a new entrance.

Mark applied to TXU to double the amount he and James raised to £4,400 as part of its employee Matched Funding scheme.

Under the scheme, employees' fundraising efforts are matched pound for pound by TXU up to £500. If a group of employees raise money, TXU can match the amount raised up to a total of £3,000.

Mark said he was delighted with the backing.

He added: "I think it is really good TXU support local causes in this way. The matched funding places an emphasis on employees to engage in projects and become involved in their local communities.

"With Georgia already attending the school and my other daughter, Scarlet, joining the school next January, I had a real incentive to help with the fundraising."

Paul Henry, TXU's UK community relations manager, said: "Matched funding enable TXU to not only support local organisations but also our employees who work so hard to raise funds for them.

"We are particularly pleased to be able to help Mark and James in their efforts to raise cash for the Nacton school."

As well as offering matched funding, TXU also encourages employees to volunteer in their local community.

Under its Energy For Action programme, TXU employees can be released from work for the equivalent of half a day a month to participate in a range of volunteering placements.

Last year five per cent of TXU employees volunteered in the community through the Energy For Action programme.