Fundraising target hit thanks to membership’s generosity
The NACFB has raised an impressive £31,670 for The Unbeatable Eva Foundation through a wide range of fundraising activities since the charity partnership was announced in April last year, surpassing its original target of £30,000.
The national charity provides vital support to children and families affected by Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive terminal childhood brain cancer. It also funds essential research and clinical trials aimed at improving treatment options and outcomes.
The partnership was inspired by a deeply moving story shared by a member of the NACFB community, whose daughter Eva was diagnosed with DIPG in January 2020. Although classed as a rare cancer, a child in the UK is diagnosed with DIPG every nine days, and every diagnosis is terminal. Average life expectancy following diagnosis is less than 10 months, and treatment options have remained largely unchanged for more than 70 years. Eva fought bravely for 12 months and eight days before passing away in 2021.
Funds were raised across a variety of NACFB events, including just under £1,000 at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo, £4,000 at the NACFB Commercial Broker Awards, and more than £8,000 at the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards.
Additional fundraising efforts included an outstanding £4,000 won by an NACFB quiz team at the AFPA Trust Big Quiz, as well as more than £3,000 donated in support of NACFB CEO Jim Higginbotham’s charity bike ride from London to Paris last October.
Further demonstrating its commitment to the cause, the Association matched every pound donated, up to the first £10,000.
Commenting on the amount raised, Paul Slapa, Eva’s father and co-founder of the Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all of the team at the NACFB for choosing to support The Unbeatable Eva Foundation this past year.
“The support has allowed us to tell Eva’s story to a huge new audience, raising awareness of DIPG, and raising a huge amount of money which will go directly to supporting families who are devastated by DIPG’s impact.
“Every penny raised is directed towards helping these families make precious memories together, and I can tell you first-hand how important this is. So, again, thank you so much to all of the team, and importantly to everyone who attended events, sponsored fundraisers, or contacted us directly to donate after hearing Eva’s story – you have our eternal gratitude.”
Jim Higginbotham, NACFB CEO, added: “I am incredibly proud of the NACFB community for coming together to support such an important cause. Eva’s story has touched everyone involved, and the generosity shown by our membership has been truly humbling. Surpassing our fundraising target is a testament to the compassion of our industry, and we hope these funds will make a meaningful difference to families facing the unimaginable.”
Anyone wishing to donate to The Unbeatable Eva Foundation can do so here.
The trade body is now beginning discussions to select its next charity partnership. Members of the NACFB community with a cause close to their heart are encouraged to contact the press team with their recommendations.
Over the past seven years, the NACFB community has raised more than £160,000 for good causes, including Air Ambulances UK, The Newman Holiday Trust, and Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent).