Juvenile Arthritis Research is proud to announce its recognition as a finalist in the Benefact Group’s Charity Heroes Awards 2024. This prestigious awards programme aims to honour charities that work diligently to effect positive change in society. Juvenile Arthritis Research has been selected by an expert panel as a finalist for the esteemed ‘Volunteer of the Year’ category, one of seven awards up for grabs.
The winners will be revealed during a ceremony at the iconic Tower of London on 28 November 2024. Charities that emerge victorious will receive a generous £5,000, while runners-up will be awarded £1,000.
Understanding Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Every week in the UK, approximately 20 families learn that their child has been diagnosed with a rare condition known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Many of these families face the agonising reality of having a child in pain for weeks, months, or even years before receiving a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, JIA remains a lifelong condition that significantly impacts the child’s life and their family.
Juvenile Arthritis Research is a small yet impactful charity dedicated to supporting families grappling with the challenges of JIA. Among its youngest advocates is 12-year-old Abbie, who has battled arthritis since the tender age of one. Abbie’s passion for helping others led her to create a support pack aimed at assisting children diagnosed with this condition. Teaming up with her mother and Juvenile Arthritis Research, they brought these support packs to life.
A Little Box of Hope
Abbie’s initiative, named “A Little Box of Hope,” provides comfort and support to families during some of their most challenging times. Richard Beesley, the founder of Juvenile Arthritis Research, expresses his admiration for Abbie’s commitment: “These packs truly offer hope when families need it most. Abbie personally sends each one with a handwritten note addressed to every child.”
Richard continues to highlight Abbie’s dedication, stating, “She is one of our youngest yet most committed volunteers. Abbie consistently goes above and beyond, making her deserving of this nomination for Volunteer of the Year at the Benefact Group’s Charity Heroes Awards. This recognition not only honours her hard work but also empowers us to enhance our support for families affected by JIA.”
Benefact Group’s Commitment to Charitable Giving
Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, remarks, “We are thrilled to announce the finalists of our Charity Heroes Awards 2024. This initiative aims to celebrate and support charities tirelessly working to create positive changes in the community. As a family of award-winning specialist financial services firms, we are proud to be the third largest corporate donor to charity in the UK. Our commitment to charitable giving is deeply embedded in our ethos. All our available profits are directed towards good causes, meaning that as our group grows, so too does our ability to give back.”
The journey for Juvenile Arthritis Research is just beginning. With the recognition from the Charity Heroes Awards, the charity hopes to amplify its efforts, ensuring that no child or family faces the challenges of JIA alone. Together, with young advocates like Abbie leading the charge, the future looks promising for those impacted by this condition.