<div>Some people leave a mark through what they achieve. Andrew left his mark through the lives he touched.
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<div>Andrew was a much-loved colleague, friend, husband, step-father, son and someone who genuinely believed that if you had the opportunity to help others, you should. He brought people together, inspired those around him, and never underestimated the difference that kindness, laughter and determination could make.
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<div>We have chosen to honour his memory by raising money for two charities that meant so much to him: Bridge2Aid and Cancer Research UK.
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<div>Bridge2Aid held a particularly special place in Andrew's heart. While working at Schülke, Andrew encouraged and inspired his colleagues to volunteer for a Bridge2Aid project in Bukumbi, Mwanza, Tanzania. Together they helped renovate buildings supporting a community affected by leprosy, creating facilities that would make a lasting difference to people's lives. That journey changed Andrew's life in more ways than one. It was in Bukumbi that he met the love of his life, Nicola, who was part of the same volunteer team.
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<div>Cancer Research UK became equally important after Andrew lost his beloved mum to cancer. Like so many families, he experienced first-hand the heartbreak that cancer brings. Supporting research that offers hope for better treatments, earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, a cure is a fitting way to honour Andrew's life and to help create a better future for others.
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<div>To celebrate Andrew's adventurous spirit, Andrews family and the UK VOCO team will spend the next 12 months, starting on the 1st of September 2026 - undertaking a series of fundraising activities as part of a virtual 5,000 km journey across Tanzania.
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<div>Together, every step walked, mile cycled, challenge completed and pound raised will move us closer to our destination. As we reach each landmark and milestone—from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, across the vast plains of the Serengeti, and along the shores of Lake Victoria—we'll share interactive map updates, celebrate our achievements, and uncover fascinating facts about each location.
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<div>We hope these updates will allow everyone supporting the campaign to follow our journey, learn more about the beautiful country that came to mean so much to Andrew, and count down the kilometers with us until we reach our final destination: Mwanza, home of Bridge2Aid and the place where Andrew's life was changed forever.
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<div>As it was in Mwanza that Andrew not only helped improve the lives of others but also met the woman who would become his wife, it seems only fitting that this fundraising journey should end where such an important chapter of his own life began.
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<div>Andrew approached life with passion, generosity and a wonderfully infectious sense of humour. He loved to travel, make people laugh, debate almost anything, and throw himself wholeheartedly into every challenge. Whether he was supporting a charitable cause, encouraging his colleagues, or making friends wherever he went, he always gave his all.
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<div>If you are able to support this challenge with a donation, however big or small, you will be helping to continue the legacy Andrew cared so deeply about: improving lives, creating opportunities, advancing life-saving cancer research, and giving hope to others.
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<div>Thank you for remembering Andrew and for supporting two causes that meant so much to him. We know he would have been deeply humbled—and probably just a little competitive—to see his family and VOCO colleagues embarking on this incredible journey in his memory. Every kilometer travelled and every pound raised is a testament to the kindness, generosity and lasting impact of a remarkable man who is greatly missed but will never be forgotten.
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<div>*All proceeds raised through this fundraiser will be donated equally to Cancer Research UK and Bridge2Aid at the end of our 12 month fundraising period*
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Anonymous

Ashish Soneji

Shelley Scothorne

Hollie Moody

Jay Herbert

Jeremy Cooper

Jody Shutt

Claire Auatin

Steven Creamer

In Memory Of Andrew Thurston

In Memory Of Andrew Thurston

Still £1,673 to go. Help us build momentum.