HSBC graduates raise thousands for diabetes

The bank’s Graduate Communities Committee selects a charity every 12 months.

After colleague Dan Parkinson died in 2007 they had no hesitation in choosing the diabetes charity last year.

GCC chairwoman Becky Andrew said: “We want to put the money towards an artificial pancreas, which is a pioneering JDRF project. It would’ve saved Dan’s life.�

The group raised the amount with a host of activities including a stairwalk at the bank’s headquarters in Churchill Place, comedy nights and karaoke events.

HSBC’s executive trainee graduate manager and founding member of the GCC Charlotte Fordham said: “We really enjoyed ourselves and wanted to help make a real difference.

“It started off as such a small idea – but things have just snowballed and allowed us really to accomplish something.

“There were many times when we could’ve just given up – that would’ve been so easy. But so many people were behind us all the way it kept the momentum going.�

Secretary of the GCC Ian Clarke added: “In a big organisation like HSBC, with shareholders and profit, we thought it would be a real challenge to get people involved. But it quickly became more of a pleasure than a challenge as we saw how supportive and enthusiastic people were.�

The cheque was handed to Emma Penney from the diabetes charity last month.

The amount was the biggest from a banking group to the charity in the UK.

Emma said: “I just want to say a huge thanks. What has really set HSBC apart from other corporate fundraisers is the sheer amount and variety of ideas and events over the year.

“I’m delighted everyone had fun with it – that’s really made it special.�