12 January 2024
A remarkable fundraising challenge boosted with Matched Giving
Nick Addington
Employees of William Grant & Sons can claim up to £1,000 per year from the Foundation to match their fundraising efforts for the causes that matter to them. In 2023, Ifan Jenkins used the Matched Giving scheme to boost the sum he raised for a cause close to his heart.
Ifan, who is Global Brand Director for one of William Grant & Sons’ whisky brands, completed a remarkable triple challenge to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.
Ifan’s story
“In 2023, I was keen to raise some funds for Bowel Cancer UK in memory of my late wife, Liz, who sadly passed away just before her 40th birthday. I set myself three challenges.
“The most ambitious challenge was to ski the ‘Last Degree’ of latitude to the South Pole. Liz was a passionate photographer and we had taken a great trip together taking wildlife photos on the coast of Antarctica, so it seemed fitting to go back to mark her memory.
“It was definitely tougher than anticipated given the altitude and camping in -40 Celsius. We dragged everything with us in sledges as we skied in 10-hour bursts each day, finally celebrating with a well-earned cocktail at the South Pole marker!
“I also ran my first ever marathon. The London Marathon crowd was immense, cheering us on despite the rain. It was nice to run with two colleagues and have William Grant & Sons supporters in the crowd. My third challenge was climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Breath-taking views from the top and a nice excuse for a dram when we reached it!
“In the end, I raised £7,320 with the help of friends and colleagues and the Matched Giving from the Foundation.”
