The next generation of engineering talent at Leonardo in Yeovil has presented £64,000 to two local charities after two years of fundraising, community events and personal challenges.
The donation, raised by Leonardo’s early careers community of apprentices, graduates and industrial placement students through the site’s charity and social committee, will be shared equally between ANDYSMANCLUB and Yeovil Free Wheelers Blood Bikes. The cheque was presented during a special celebration event at Westlands Entertainment Venue earlier this month. 
The fundraising total represents the culmination of two years of effort by dozens of young people who balanced charity fundraising alongside their professional development programmes, organising a wide range of events, challenges and initiatives to support causes close to the hearts of colleagues and the local community.
ANDYSMANCLUB is a men’s suicide prevention charity that provides free peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online, helping to break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and encouraging men to seek support when they need it. The funding will help support the charity’s vital weekly sessions and awareness-raising activities.
Yeovil Free Wheelers Blood Bikes operates a volunteer-led emergency delivery service across Somerset and Dorset, transporting vital medical supplies, blood products and equipment free of charge to the NHS. Last year alone, volunteers completed more than 2,653 out-of-hours deliveries. The donation will help fund a new medical bike for the charity’s fleet, supporting its lifesaving work across the South West.
Nigel Colman (pictured), Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “Our early careers community continually demonstrates what can be achieved when talent, determination and a sense of purpose come together.
“Raising £64,000 for two outstanding local charities is an incredible achievement and one that will make a lasting difference to people across Somerset and the wider South West.
“Every pound raised will help support vital mental health services and lifesaving community healthcare provision. I could not be prouder of everyone involved.”
Ben Beach outgoing AWASA (AgustaWestland Apprentice and Student Association) Chair, said: “When we started this fundraising effort, we wanted to make a genuine difference in our local community.
“Seeing so many people come together, while balancing busy roles and studies, has been inspiring. It has been an unforgettable experience for us to support two charities that carry out such important work every day, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped us reach this fantastic total.”
A spokesperson for ANDYSMANCLUB said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Leonardo who has supported this fundraising effort over the past two years. The money raised will help us continue providing free, life-changing support for men in our communities and encourage more people to reach out when they need help. Fundraising partnerships like this play a vital role in helping us challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and ensure that no man has to struggle alone.”
A spokesperson for Yeovil Free Wheelers Blood Bikes said: “This is an outstanding donation and we’re hugely thankful to Leonardo’s early careers community for their dedication and support. The funding will enable our volunteers to continue delivering vital supplies and services to hospitals, hospices and patients across the region.”
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