JENNIFER Deeney is on a mission to visit 50 lighthouses across the UK this summer to raise awareness and funds for the Lighthouse Charity, which provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support for construction workers and their families.
Jen’s husband Kieron was killed in 2004 whilst working on a construction site in a lift shaft accident. Jen married Kieron Deeney on May 8, 2004 and spent just over 13 weeks as his wife before his untimely death. Her grief was met with unwavering support from both the construction community and the Lighthouse Charity, and she made a promise to herself to become a champion for construction worker safety, and repay the kindness she received.
Jen’s Lighthouse Challenge will see Jen and her family walk until August 9, marking 21 years since Kieron’s death, where they will conclude their journey with a visit to his memorial at Heron Quays.
So far, the journey has taken Jen from Leasowe Lighthouse on the Wirral Peninsula, over to the north east coast, and to St Mary’s in Whitley Bay – the lighthouse that inspired the formation of the Lighthouse Charity. She has gone north to the Scottish Highlands and back south to Dover.
News of the challenge has spread further afield and Jen has been receiving photographs of lighthouses in France, Abu Dhabi and New Zealand along with messages of encouragement and support.
“I promised I would never forget the kindness and support I received when Kieron died,” Jen said. “I vowed to pay it forward and I have been advocating positive wellbeing and safety in our industry for 21 years. This is my latest challenge and anyone that knows me, also knows that I have big ambitions! I want to let every construction worker and their family know I’m still their biggest champion.”
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, added, “We are always amazed at some of the challenges our supporters undertake to raise funds for us. Jen’s very personal story and unique Lighthouse Challenge highlights her passion and dedication for supporting the Lighthouse Charity and our whole community.
“As well as raising a truly amazing amount of money, Jen’s epic journey shines a light on the help available and raises awareness of how people can reach out for the support they need. Jen’s motivation and commitment to make a difference is truly inspirational.”
Jen has also pioneered a safety training programme, ‘It Will Never Happen to Me.’ It includes a video in which she speaks about the impact of losing her husband, and how workplace accidents can be prevented.
To date, she has raised £17,453 for Lighthouse. Kent-based engineering company Laing O’Rourke have proven to be a huge support, raising £11,000 through lighthouse-themed workplace initiatives. There have also been sizeable donations from Gallagher Group, Ardent Tide and Danny Sullivan Group.
The challenge will conclude with a visit to the final lighthouse at Trinity Buoy Wharf. From there, Jen’s support team will take part in a memorial walk to Heron Quays followed by a celebration orchestrated by The Hilton Hotel.
Jen is encouraging anyone motivated by the cause to contribute in any way they can; by joining her on a walk, organising a fundraiser at work, or simply donating via her Just Giving page.
