Workers at a firm involved in the new Hinkley Point C Power Station building project in Somerset have pledged their support to Weston Hospicecare – with a year of fundraising and activities planned.

BBalfour Beatty is working on the Hinkley Connection Project, and has been charged with the all-important task of constructing a new 57km high-voltage connection between Bridgwater and Avonmouth to join the power generated at Hinkley to the National Grid.

The firm currently has around 60 people – a mixture of local subcontractors and experts drawn from all corners of the UK, with some arriving from as far afield as Scotland – working on the project. The team is expected to double as the work advances.

The team is keen to build strong relationships within the community where it is working, and establishing charity partnerships is key to that.

Balfour Beatty has therefore pledged the energy and expertise of its team to supporting Weston Hospicecare in a number of ways throughout the year.

Community Relations Manager Michelle Collins said: “Balfour Beatty, and in particular the Hinkley Connection Project, believes in creating strong relationships with the local communities they’re working in.

“As we’re based down in the South West for the duration of the project (five years), we felt it was really important to try and help support some of the local charities. Whether that’s through fundraising, or volunteering our time and skills – we want to make a difference.

“Local charities are so deeply rooted within the community and a lifeline to so many – hence why we want to do what we can to help.

“We were looking for a charity that was local to us, and reached some of the areas we’re going to be working in.

“For us, the work of Weston Hospicecare is truly inspirational. With a number of the Hinkley team having personally experienced the effects life-limiting illnesses can have, and the support a hospice can provide – it was a charity close to our hearts.

“We’re really hoping to raise at least £5,000 for the charity – the amount needed to cover the costs of running the hospice for a full day.

“We’ve got a Three Peaks Challenge happening at the end of June, we’re entering a team into the It’s A Hospice Knockout competition and have collection buckets in each of our offices.

“We’re also keen to share the skills we have, as well as our time to support any local activities or DIY jobs the hospice may need help with.”

The hospice’s corporate fundraising manager Simon Angear says he is looking forward to working with Balfour Beatty.

Simon said: “Weston Hospicecare relies heavily on the kindness and support of the local community, and we’re enormously grateful to the team at Balfour Beatty for choosing us as their charity partner. We look forward to working with them in the months ahead.

“We’ve already identified a few ways to put their first-class skills to good use around the hospice, while there will be plenty of opportunities for the team to have a lot of fun at our events too.

“We’re especially looking forward to welcoming a Balfour Beatty team to It’s A Hospice Knockout in July – it’s an ideal bonding opportunity for teams of work friends, and I’m sure it’s going to be a really special day for all involved.”

Further information about It’s A Hospice Knockout is available at www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/knockout, while any other companies interested in establishing a partnership with Weston Hospicecare should contact Simon on 01934 423947 or via simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk