An M&S in Deal, Kent has raised more than £3,000 for Kidney Care UK in support of one of their employees.

Kidney Care UK were chosen as their charity of the year in support of one of the stores employees 'Little Jo' who was diagnosed with kidney failure aged eight and is currently on dialysis awaiting her third transplant, this time via the paired scheme. It was raised by staff and customers over the last twelve months. 

Tracey Cureton, the store's charity champion said, "We chose Kidney Care UK as 'Little Jo' needs another kidney transplant and has been through some tough times over the last year. She is part of our M&S family and has worked with most of us for all of her working life."

They raised the money in lots of different ways, including; a Great British Bake Off contest; a World Cup, National Derby and Wimbledon sweepstake; staff sales; static bike rides; as well as lots of donations from generous customers. However the most memorable event was a Boxing Day dip in the sea at Deal (below).

Tracey, "Personally, I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the Boxing Day dip. The customers really liked seeing us do the bike challenge, they like to see us putting some effort into something physical, whereas the staff particularly enjoyed the baking!"

"At Deal M&S we are really proud of the amount we raised. We had a lot of fun along the way and are delighted we have contributed to helping and supporting the lives of kidney patients across the UK."

Mandy Balfour, fundraising officer at Kidney Care UK said, "It has been a massively enjoyable year working with Tracey and all the team and I would like to thank them again for all they have achieved. They have shown huge enthusiasm to support kidney patients which is shown in the great total they have raised.  As a charity we receive no government funding. It is only through fundraising like this that we are able to improve life for kidney patients."