The RailStaff Awards 2024

Colin Hitchen - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Kelly Emmerson:

“Freightliner Customer Support Manager Kelly Emmerson, based at Freightliner’s Felixstowe terminal, has raised an amazing £11,000 for charity - £10,000 for the family of Hayley Bendall (see below) and £1,000 for Solving Kids Cancer, who help families affected by childhood cancer through the provision of support and information, as well as investing in research and advocating for access to better treatment.

Previously, Kelly was based at customer Hanjin’s Felixstowe office where she worked with Brian Bendall in Hanjin Logistics. His young daughter suffered from Neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer that mostly affects babies and young children. Hayley was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at the age of four and subsequently underwent a gruelling schedule of operations, chemotherapy and other treatments, remaining cheerful throughout. Sadly her older sister suffered from the same condition but has fortunately been in remission for several years.

As soon as Kelly was made aware of Hayley’s condition, she knew she had to do something to help raise funds to support some of Hayley’s basic needs whilst undergoing treatment such as travel expenses, home tuition etc. So she set about organising an auction gala ball where gifts such as Formula One merchandise, signed photos etc. were donated by celebrities and hauliers and auctioned off to guests from local haulier companies, family and friends. Kelly’s desire and determination to help young Hayley rubbed off on everyone attending who all got into the spirit of things resulting in just under £10,000 being raised at the event.

Determined to hit the £10k target, Kelly subsequently arranged a Freightliner dress-down day and other local fundraising activities. She was also successful in her charity nomination under the Freightliner charity scheme, raising a further £1,000 for Solving Kids Cancer to reach £11,000.

Sadly young Hayley passed away recently but Kelly’s fundraising activities will help other children suffering with cancer and she should be recognised for this, and for the unwavering care and support she has provided to Hayley and her family throughout her short life.

A very deserving nominee for the title ‘Charitable Person of the Year’.“