CANCER and haemotology charity Friends of ANCHOR has said it was ‘blown away’ by the fundraising efforts of Aberdein Considine employees after the firm beat its £20,000 target in just four months this year.
A total of £25,407 – which rises to just over £28,400 when Gift Aid is added – was raised after colleagues from across the Aberdeen-headquartered property, legal and wealth firm sprang into action to raise money in memory of much-loved partner Fiona Wildgoose, who sadly died in March 2024.
A property specialist, Fiona had almost completed 20 years with the firm and latterly headed up the Dyce office, where a special celebration was held to commemorate the fundraising achievement, with representatives from Friends of ANCHOR marking the occasion with several of Fiona’s former colleagues, as well as her husband, Hugh Thom.
The ’20 for Fiona’ fundraising drive, named in honour of Fiona’s two decades at Aberdein Considine, saw colleagues from Peterhead to Newcastle bake, walk, run and even knit their way past the target. Notable challenges undertaken included: a 24-hour walk-a-thon, a 5km inflatable assault course, a ‘Pet Palooza’ inviting colleagues to vote for the cutest Aberdein Considine pet, the Loch Ness Marathon, a Three Munros challenge, a football match, a 20km hike, a 20km walk by Westhill colleagues around the firm’s offices that Fiona worked in, a fundraising evening held by Dyce and a Euros ’24 sweepstake, complete with specially designed ‘20 for Fiona’ t-shirts.
Mike Sinclair, senior partner with Aberdein Considine, said, “For over 20 years, Fiona was an essential part of the residential property team responsible not only for our Dyce and Westhill offices but part of the wider development and growth of the partnership. She was committed to client service and care and very much respected by the business community across Aberdeen and the north east.
“Her infectious humour and enthusiasm are reflected in the determination of all those who took part to support in any way they could the fundraising for Friends of ANCHOR, a charity which was very close to her heart.
“On behalf of the partners I would like to thank all of our staff, families, clients and business connections who have either participated in some fashion or contributed towards matching and ultimately exceeding the target we had set for Friends of ANCHOR, a truly wonderful charity.”
Erica Banks, head of communications at Friends of ANCHOR, added, “We really are blown away by the incredible show of support from the team at Aberdein Considine. As a collective, the whole staff has shown such enthusiasm, dedication and generosity in what they’ve taken on, tackling everything from endurance events to crafting challenges and so much more besides.
“It’s been remarkable to see what they have achieved for Friends of ANCHOR in Fiona’s name – rallying together to raise such an astonishing sum. It’s a true reflection of how well-loved Fiona clearly was – and this is a very special legacy to have created in her honour. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who was involved – and to all those who supported their fundraising in turn too.”
Fiona’s husband, Hugh Thom, said on behalf of himself and their two children, Katie and Jack, “Our whole family is extremely touched by how all of Fiona’s colleagues have pulled together to raise such an amazing amount of money in such a short space of time and we are so grateful for what has been achieved. It means a heck of a lot to us that everyone has gone to such a lot of effort to raise money for a charitable cause that was so close to her heart.”
