Claremont Interiors raise £9000 in memory of Colin Hankin

Published on 26 Feb 2007

Claremont Group Interiors, the largest office interior design consultancy outside London, has raised over £9000 for the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation in memory of Colin Hankin.

Colin worked as a young apprentice in Claremont's accounts department when he died in his sleep two days after his 18th birthday.

Ann Malone, Claremont Associate Director said,

"Colin was a nice lad who everyone got on with. His death was a shock for us all; although the office has over 75 staff it is still run like a family office and everyone is close."

Ann continues,

"We all wanted to keep Colin's memory alive and after discussions with Colin’s mother Angela Morris we began raising money to provide local GPs with heart monitors which will enable them to screen young people for heart conditions which they are unaware that they may have."

Through fundraising activity which ranged from an employee selling off personal paintings, marathon sponsorship and tennis coaching, employees over £4000 was raised. Claremont Chief Executive, Mike Gardner, has also reached into his own pocket to match what the employees raised to give a total of £9000.

Angela Morris said,

"I still haven't come down to earth yet, I was overwhelmed at the generosity and kindness you all showed me. Thank you just doesn't seem enough. The way everyone came to talk to me about Colin felt as if it was only yesterday that I lost him. You all speak about him with such vivid memories, so many soon forget and knowing you all keep him in your thoughts is just wonderful."

At the time of Colin's death, the group of Associate Directors decided to set up the 'Colin Hankin Award', given to 'New Team Player' for their hard work and personal attributes they bring to the company.

This year Gillian Millar has been awarded with the prestigious prize because of her great commitment and valuable support as part of the Realisation Department within the company. Ann Malone continues; "Gill is always helpful, calm, caring and brings a sense of humour to stressful situations."