North East STEM Foundation

Managing Director of Steel Benders UK Ltd and chair of the North East STEM Foundation (NESF), Tania Cooper MBE, has joined forces with philanthropist Frances Connolly and 25 others, including trustees and supporters of the NESF and PFC Trust, to raise in excess of £30,000 for local causes.

Choosing to forego the comforts of their beds by sleeping out under the stars, Tania and Frances raised more than £30,000 for the NESF, PFC Trust and U Change Lives – 10% of the funds raised will go to CEO Sleepout UK.

The Big Country House Sleepout is a challenge to business leaders to a swap their boardrooms for the outdoors in order to raise money for worthy causes.

Frances, founder and CEO of the PFC Trust, hosted the event in the grounds of her home.

Savannah Marshall, the undisputed super-middleweight champion of the world and an ambassador of the PFC Trust also participated in the event.

The PFC Trust was established “to support and enrich the lives of all sections of the community” and have donated significant funds to local causes throughout the North East.

The NESF’s aim is to ensure every young person, regardless of background, has an opportunity to study STEM subjects in a high-quality, modern environment supported by employers, futureproofing both industry and the local economy by delivering highly skilled, innovative workers. The charity does this by inspiring and attracting future generations into the sector via STEM outreach programmes, removing financial barriers to allow all children to access STEM education and by creating more high-quality STEM focused environments at key stage 3, 4 and 5.

Frances said: "I am delighted to have hosted the Big Country House Sleepout, which has raised funds for worthy local charities.

“The PFC Trust’s guiding principal is about helping people to help themselves, and we sincerely hope to be able to positively impact on peoples' lives in some small way.”

Tania said: “Participating in this challenge is an opportunity to give back to the community. By supporting organisations like NESF and the PFC Trust, we can create tangible change by breaking down the financial barriers to STEM education and promoting careers in STEM."

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE NORTH EAST STEM FOUNDATION

For further information contact Harry Sinclair 01325 363436