This year, Shirley Parsons celebrates its 21st anniversary, a milestone we’re marking by supporting a cause that is deeply personal to our team. We are proud to partner with Leukaemia UK, with an ambition to raise £21,000 during our 21st year.
As we reflect on more than two decades of working with organisations and professionals to make a positive impact, we believe this anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate our journey, but to give back in a meaningful way.
Why this cause matters.
Many across the Shirley Parsons community will know Shona Paterson, one of our original team members and Managing Director of Rethink HSEQ. In March 2025, Shona’s son, Thomas, was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Since then, Shona and her family have shown remarkable courage and resilience while navigating treatment and fundraising to support others affected by blood cancers. Their experience has reinforced just how vital the work of charities like Leukaemia UK is – not only in funding research, but in supporting families through incredibly challenging times.
Leukaemia UK works to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care for people living with leukaemia and other blood cancers. Around 28 people are diagnosed with leukaemia every day in the UK, including more than 650 children each year, making the impact of this work both urgent and profound.
Our commitment to giving back.
Our commitment to corporate social responsibility remains at the heart of Shirley Parsons and aligns naturally with one of our core purposes – to ‘do good.’
Reflecting on this, Shirley Parsons, Brand Ambassador, shares:
“Our commitment to CSR remains at the heart of our organisation and naturally aligns with one of our purposes of ‘Do Good’ as we step into 2026. We are pleased to announce Leukaemia UK as our charity partner for the year, following Shona’s son Thomas being diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2025 and his ongoing treatment. As we reflect on the last year, let’s continue to make a positive impact and give back.”
How you can get involved.
Throughout 2026, we’ll be hosting and taking part in a range of fundraising activities to help us reach our £21,000 target, with opportunities for everyone to get involved:
- Fraser’s sustainability cycle ride to Paris – a team-led challenge raising awareness and funds.
- The SHE Show 2026 silent charity auction – professional learning sessions donated by speakers and auctioned in support of Leukaemia UK.
- Additional events and team challenges – including golf days, personal challenges, and office initiatives across the year.
Every donation, challenge, and show of support brings us closer to our goal and will make a real difference to families.
Join our London to Paris Charity Cycle Ride
Next month, we will take on a four-day, 200+ mile cycle ride from London to Paris in support of Leukaemia UK as part of our 21st anniversary fundraising campaign.
The challenge will bring together Sustainability, ESG and HSEQ professionals for four days of cycling, networking and shared purpose, while raising vital funds for a cause that is deeply personal to our team. Every mile cycled will help us move closer to our goal of raising £21,000 to support Leukaemia UK’s work funding research and providing support for people and families affected by leukaemia.
We’re delighted that a small number of places are still available for anyone who would like to join the ride. Whether you’re looking for a personal challenge, an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, or simply want to support a fantastic cause, we’d love to hear from you.
If taking part isn’t for you, you can still support the team by making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help make a meaningful difference.
Interested in joining the ride? Contact Fraser McLachlan to find out more and secure one of the remaining places.
A message from Shona:
“2025 was full of challenges, but it also showed us how strong we can be with the support of family, friends, and our community. Thomas is responding well to treatment, and every act of support - from donations to taking part in events - makes a real difference. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us, and we move forward with hope and positivity.”
As we celebrate 21 years of Shirley Parsons, we’re proud to do so with purpose. Whether it’s taking part in an event or making a donation, every contribution helps support families affected by leukaemia and creates lasting impact beyond our anniversary year.
