CRASH celebrates Corporate Patrons and Supporters at the Spring Reception

The CRASH Charity Spring Reception brought together Corporate Patrons, supporters, and friends of CRASH for a heartfelt evening of gratitude and inspiration. The event was held at the Arcadis office on Fenchurch Street in London, also home to the CRASH office. The annual gathering offered an opportunity to celebrate the incredible difference made possible by CRASH’s generous and skilled supporters – professionals who bring compassion into construction.

Trisha Pickersgill, Chief Executive at CRASH, reflected on the vital work achieved together and looked ahead to future projects supporting people experiencing homelessness and those in hospice care.

A highlight of the evening was hearing directly from three inspiring guest speakers representing charities CRASH has supported:

• Gilbert Stowe, Chair of Trustees at Branches in Walthamstow, reflected on the vital role CRASH Corporate Patrons played in building their new move-on accommodation — a safe, stable environment that supports service users on their journey out of homelessness.
• Marc Bamber, Chief Executive of Emmaus Merseyside, highlighted the creation of their multi-purpose community hub, made possible thanks to the support of CRASH and its Corporate Patrons. The space now serves Emmaus companions, volunteers, and staff, and hosts training, workshops, and local community initiatives.
• Alison Alger, Philanthropic Giving Manager at St Mary’s Hospice, spoke about how CRASH Corporate Patrons helped create a welcoming new patient entrance, offering a more dignified arrival experience. The project also delivered a family room, bereavement support office, quiet spaces, and improved staff facilities, giving teams a place to rest and reflect.

These powerful testimonials reminded everyone in the room of the lasting impact that combining industry expertise and products with a shared commitment to creating safe, dignified spaces can have on people’s lives.

The evening also featured a moment of special recognition for Corporate Patrons whose contributions have been especially meaningful. 8build and VolkerFitzpatrick were each honoured with Longstanding Patron Awards to mark an incredible 10 years of dedicated partnership with CRASH—a decade of professional expertise and generosity that has transformed countless lives. In addition, Huws Gray and Pascall & Watson received Patron Awards to warmly welcome them as new Corporate Patrons. Their decision to join the CRASH community reflects a shared belief in the power of construction to create positive, lasting change.

Guests had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from the charities and CRASH partners, fostering a sense of connection and collaboration. While enjoying delicious canapés and refreshments, attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and gained deeper insight into the work that their support makes possible.

CRASH extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended the Spring Reception and to our generous sponsors, Corporate Patrons Galliford Try and Arcadis whose support made the evening possible.