SPAR UK is celebrating a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with Marie Curie, having raised an incredible £4 million in the last 8 years.

The partnership between SPAR UK and Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, has been in place since 2017. Through a combination of national campaigns, regional fundraising, and supplier collaborations, SPAR UK together with its regional wholesalers, retailers, and customers have made a significant impact on the charity’s ability to deliver essential end of life care in communities across the UK.

Ian Taylor, SPAR UK Retail & Brand Development Director, said: “We are incredibly proud of the efforts made by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers in supporting Marie Curie. Their dedication has made a tangible difference to the lives of those needing end of life care. Marie Curie nurses carry out vital work every day and night to support people in their homes, providing expert end of life care and vital emotional support. Our ongoing support is a reflection of our commitment to them and the communities we serve.”

Delivering essential care

The total of £4 million fundraising has allowed Marie Curie to bring vital end of life care in communities across the UK. This includes 173,000 hours of Marie Curie nursing care to those living with terminal illness, supporting 104 Marie Curie nursing posts for one year, providing care for 2,400 patients through Marie Curie’s Hospice Care at Home initiative, and to keep all Marie Curie hospices running for two months, providing medal, emotional, and psychological support.

Matthew Reed, Marie Curie Chief Executive, said: “Thank you so very much to all SPAR colleagues, customers, and suppliers for your continued support for Marie Curie’s work. Together, we are ensuring that people at the end of life, and those close to them, receive the care and compassion they need. We are in awe of your passion and commitment.”

Support from across the UK

Campaigns to support Marie Curie from SPAR UK have come from across the nation. SPAR Own Brand fundraising and limited edition SPAR products raised important funds instore.

Each of the regional wholesalers across SPAR UK also played a significant part. Henderson Group operating the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland raised over £430,000 through its 60th Anniversary Gala and Tea Party campaign. James Hall & Co. Ltd operating the SPAR brand in the north of England collected £40,000 for Marie Curie by taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in July 2024. CJ Lang & Son Ltd operating the SPAR brand in Scotland raised income through various fundraising challenges. A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd operating the SPAR brand in Wales, central and south-east England takes part in fundraising initiatives and actively supporting Marie Curie’s hospices. Through its new company-wide partnership, the business aims to raise £250,000 across its SPAR stores, logistics warehouses, and head office support teams. Appleby Westward & James Hall & Co. Ltd operating the SPAR brand in south-west England support the charity.

Source: SPAR UK

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About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.