Local businesses make a difference through fundraising and community events
From local fundraising and charity support to an event bringing people together to celebrate and empower women, Chesterfield Champions are continuing to make a positive impact within our community.
Banner Jones helps secure more than £700,000 for future cancer research
Banner Jones has helped secure more than £700,000 in future gifts for Cancer Research UK through its partnership with the charity’s Free Will Service.
Since joining the initiative in May 2025, the firm’s specialist Wills team has written 22 wills through the scheme. Will Writers across Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire have helped clients pledge £707,065 in future donations to support cancer research.
The service enables people to have a professionally prepared will while giving them the opportunity to leave a gift to Cancer Research UK. More than one-third of the charity’s life-saving research is funded through gifts in wills.
Tina Fisher, Senior Will Writer at Banner Jones, said:
“Making a will gives people peace of mind that their loved ones will be looked after and their wishes respected. Through our partnership with Cancer Research UK, it also gives clients the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that could help transform the future of cancer research.
We are absolutely delighted by the response we’ve seen since joining the Free Will Service. The generosity of our clients has been truly remarkable, with more than £700,000 pledged towards future research in just over a year.
Across the communities where Banner Jones has offices, we see first-hand the impact cancer has on individuals and families, which is why we’re proud to support a charity that’s driving forward life-saving research while helping improve outcomes for people closer to home.
It’s incredibly rewarding to help our clients plan for the future while creating a lasting legacy that could make a difference for generations to come.”
Alistair Ballard-Martin from Cancer Research UK added:
“We’re extremely grateful to Banner Jones and everyone who has chosen to leave a gift in their will through the Free Will Service. Legacy gifts fund more than one-third of our life-saving research, meaning every pledge has the potential to help future generations live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.
By working with trusted local solicitors such as Banner Jones, we’re making it easier for people to put their affairs in order while creating a lasting legacy that could help accelerate the discoveries of tomorrow.”
Former Mayor and Mayoress raise more than £10,000 for local charities
Chesterfield’s former Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Barry Dyke and Marie Dyke, have presented £10,347 to two local charities following their year in office.
The money was raised during their 2025/26 term through the Mayor’s Appeal, with Poolsbrook Social Welfare Centre and Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity chosen as the beneficiaries.
Councillor Barry Dyke said:
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to present this cheque to two fantastic local charities that make a big difference in our community. This was only possible because of the generous donations by local people, thank you to everyone who has supported the Mayor’s Appeal.”
The Mayor’s Appeal is an annual charity drive led by the Mayor of Chesterfield, raising funds for charities selected by the Mayor during their year in office.
Fundraising events held during the year included a charity abseil at Chesterfield Town Hall, alongside support from local people and the wider community.
Poolsbrook Social Welfare Centre supports a variety of social events for people of all ages, including youth groups, sporting activities and entertainment events. The organisation dedicates its time to supporting the local community.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity supports patients, visitors and colleagues by funding improvements beyond what basic NHS funding can provide. Money raised through the Mayor’s Appeal will help enhance facilities, including those within the stroke unit, supporting the hospital in continuing to provide exceptional care.
Inspire Planning and Design Managing Director announces event following £7,400 fundraising success
Gemma Feek, Managing Director of Inspire Planning and Design, is building on the success of her first Celebrating Her event, with plans for a larger International Women’s Day celebration in March 2027.
The inaugural Celebrating Her event took place in March 2026, welcoming almost 300 guests and raising £7,400 for Nottingham Women’s Centre, which provides counselling, advice, training and community support.
Following the event’s success, Gemma has established Celebrating Her CIC, with Nottingham Women’s Centre remaining at the heart of its fundraising.
Celebrating Her 2027 will take place at Colwick Hall, Nottingham, on Friday, 5th March 2027, during International Women’s Day weekend. The event will bring together around 500 people for an evening of fundraising, live entertainment, inspiring stories and opportunities to connect with others from across the region.
In the lead-up to the event, Gemma also plans to use the Celebrating Her platform to highlight organisations and initiatives supporting women, while working with local education providers to give students opportunities to showcase their talents, gain real-world experience and connect with people in industry.
Gemma, Managing Director of Inspire Planning and Design, said:
“Celebrating Her started as an idea for one event, but the response was far bigger than I ever expected. Seeing almost 300 people in one room, raising money for an organisation doing such important work, showed me what we could build from it.
“For 2027, the focus is simple: put on an incredible event, bring even more people together and raise as much money and awareness as possible for Nottingham Women’s Centre.
“But we also have a fantastic platform in the lead-up to the event, and I want to use that to showcase the support, opportunities and organisations already out there for women, as well as giving students and future leaders the opportunity to get involved.
“It’s about connecting, inspiring and empowering women and having one hell of a celebration while we do it.”
Gemma is currently speaking with local businesses, education providers, community organisations, performers and volunteers interested in becoming involved in the 2027 event.
Banner Jones, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Inspire Planning and Design are among more than 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
