Leeds Mencap x Tomoro
To continue our 70th Anniversary blog post series, we chatted with our corporate partners Tomoro all about their journey with Leeds Mencap:
"Here at Tomoro Agency we are based in Leeds city centre. We specialise in digital marketing and creative advertising. We have worked with brands such as Haier, Thermos UK and Flamingo Land. We are corporate partners with Leeds Mencap and work directly with them in fundraising for the charity.
We got involved with Leeds Mencap as Joyce Fieldhouse (Founder member and honorary president of Leeds Mencap) is a family member of Hannah Crampton who works at Tomoro Agency. With Leeds Mencap being a charity close to our hearts, we decided we wanted to support them in any way we can. We visit Leeds Mencap every couple weeks to provide our digital expertise in assisting them to expand and grow as a charity.
Last November we took part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and raised £1145 for Leeds Mencap. The hike was done in treacherous conditions and took 9 hours, it was tough however we pushed through. Some of our clients took part in the hike too and raised a lot of money for us. In August we completed our second event, our Leeds Agency Football Fundraiser and we are now looking at future fundraising events to help raise money and awareness for Leeds Mencap. Although Leeds Mencap are affiliated with National Mencap, Leeds Mencap is an independent and local charity, and they need to secure their own funding to continue to offer their valuable services. Support from individuals, businesses and events is extremely important to them.
Joyce Fieldhouse was one of a group of parents of children with learning disabilities or autism who set Leeds Mencap up back in 1953 when there was very little support available for children or families. Over the years Joyce gave an enormous amount of time and energy to the organisation, influencing local policy, particularly around education for children with learning disabilities, and setting up and improving services. Joyce was particularly dedicated to Leeds Mencap’s Holiday Home (1968 – 1991) at Bridlington, arranging breaks for families and the upkeep of the house.
Joyce’s unstinting service was recognised in 2013 when she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for service to people with learning disabilities. In the same year she became Honorary President of Leeds Mencap as she retired (aged 83) from more active involvement in the day to day running of the charity.
Supportive throughout, Joyce was pleased to join Anneka Rice on a trip down memory lane in 2015 when Anneka, who had transformed the burnt-out shell of Leeds Mencap’s ‘new’ building in East End Park in 1992, came to help Leeds Mencap launch the last leg of their fundraising campaign for their current home, The Vinery Centre.
Without Joyce and others who had the vision, commitment and determination to found Leeds Mencap 68 years ago, Leeds Mencap would not be the organisation they are today. Joyce has touched the lives of so many people who have benefitted from her dedication and hard work over the years.
Since Joyce’s passing Andrew, her son, is still happy and healthy in his new home, making friends everyday and keeping up with his regular routine of going to HollyBush every week. He plans on visiting Leeds Mencap soon for their 70th Anniversary for a trip down memory lane."
