Fidelity Life CEO honoured by Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ

17 October 2013

Fidelity Life CEO honoured by Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand has recognised Fidelity Life Chief Executive Milton Jennings with a special award acknowledging his long-time support to the organisation.

Milton, who was presented the award by the Governor-General this week at the opening of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s (LBC) new Patient Support Services Centre, has personally fundraised over $100,000 for the organisation.

For the last seven years he has played in LBC’s Golf Marrowthon, which sees golfers from all handicap levels test their skill and endurance in the ultimate challenge of playing 100 holes in a single day to raise money for LBC.

Golfers undertake sponsorship for their participation and use a golf cart for the day, but Milton consistently walks the 100 holes – effectively walking the distance of a marathon. He also takes part in LBC’s Shave for a Cure fundraising event and has participated in the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge.

LBC helps New Zealand patients and families living with blood cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma) and blood conditions while raising awareness and supporting the search for new treatments and cures for these conditions. There are an estimated 10,000 people living with blood cancer or a related condition in New Zealand, and every day six children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed.

Pru Etcheverry, CEO at LBC, says Milton’s personal fundraising efforts have been inspirational and have had a significant impact on helping the organisation grow and develop its services across the country.

“We are incredibly grateful for all that Milton has done for LBC. He has literally put his body on the line to raise these substantial funds.

“Milton’s commitment to LBC means that we have been able to continue to develop the programmes and services we operate across the country so we can be there to support more Kiwi families affected by a blood cancer diagnosis or related conditions,” says Pru.

Milton credits his fundraising success to help from his family network of colleagues, business connections and friends, as well as setting extra challenges for himself, like walking the Golf Marrowthon course.

“It is an absolute honour to be recognised by Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand with this award. I am genuinely and personally passionate about the wonderful work they do, and thrilled that I have been able to contribute to their fundraising efforts over the years.

“Fidelity Life is a long-term supporter of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand and many of our team have participated in their fundraising events. We see on a daily basis the devastating impact these cancers can have on New Zealanders and their families – we’re proud to be able to assist the tremendous work LBC does supporting patients with support services, research, information, awareness and advocacy.”

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand receives no government funding and is supported entirely by voluntary donations from supporters, sponsors and fundraisers.

Milton will be competing in the 2013 Golf Marrowthon 100 Hole Challenge at Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary tomorrow, Friday, 18 October. He can be sponsored at www.marrowthon.org.nz.

About Fidelity Life
Fidelity Life was founded in 1973 to provide life insurance products through financial advisers. Forty years on Fidelity Life remains New Zealand owned, controlled and operated. Fidelity Life employs over 250 staff and has offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

The company offers a full range of innovative insurance and investment products specifically designed for New Zealanders that includes personal protection, business insurance and investment options.

www.fidelitylife.co.nz

About Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC)
LBC is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and conditions including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The organisation is committed to improving the quality of life for patients and their families living with these blood cancers and conditions by providing patient support services, research, information, awareness and advocacy.

The cause of blood cancers is unknown and these diseases can strike anyone of any age, at any time, without warning. Immediate treatment may be necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years.

www.leukaemia.org.nz

ENDS

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