A Birmingham sign-makers is to support Diabetes UK in 2012 after
one of their founders become the fourth person connected with the
firm to be diagnosed with the condition.
Bowden and Dolphin's Peter Bowden, who founded the Bordesley
Green company in 1959, joins a group of diabetic employees past and
present, which includes workshop manager Mick Bergin, whose brother
John donated a kidney to him in 2004.
Mick organised a fundraising event for the renal ward at the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital shortly after his transplant, and brought
in more than £8000 which was spent on equipment for people
undergoing transplant surgery.
And he is eager to do the same next year, with the company's
support, after learning of Peter's diagnosis.
Company director Jamie Bowden said: "We have some very close
personal connections with diabetes here and will be doing as much
as we can to help people with the condition.
"Mick did a great job organising his event in 2005, and we want
to do something similar in 2012, as well as running smaller
fundraisers alongside it.
"In all we hope to raise at least £10000."
Diabetes UK Regional Fundraising Manager Joanna Oldfield said:
"We are delighted to be chosen as charity of the year for 2012.
"Bowden and Dolphin look set to raise a terrific amount for
Diabetes UK as well as help raise vital awareness about the
condition.
"In Birmingham alone there are over 57,000 diagnosed with
diabetes and a further 16,000 who have the donation but are not yet
aware of it.
"Support from local companies such as Bowden and Dolphin is so
important and enables Diabetes UK to continue to support local
people living with the condition."
Bowden and Dolphin Signs was established in 1959 and moved to
their current premises in 1989. The company was formed by two
brothers - Jamie's dad Peter and uncle Alec - and their
brother-in-law Barrie.
While the company's founders have now retired, their sons Jamie,
Andy, Dave and Anthony are now the directors. They employ 14 staff
and specialise in helping organisations like the Bullring,
Brindleyplace, and Aston Villa FC with their large format print and
signage requirements.