OGN Group's safety incentive scheme continues to support local causes

A scheme to encourage safe working conditions at OGN Group has helped raise over £5,000 for two North East charitable causes and a deserving individual.

The recipients, The Great North Children’s Hospital, Hartlepool & District Hospice and 14-year-old Ewan Barry, were nominated by staff at Wallsend-based OGN Group to receive the money raised from its Safety Incentive Scheme, which rewards staff for working safely.

The money donated to The Great North Children’s Hospital is part of a fundraising effort by the family of Maya Sehgal, a two-year-old diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in December 2012. Her family have been raising money to buy specialist machinery for the hospital where she is receiving treatment.

Hartlepool and District Hospice ensures people affected by life-limiting illness or the death of a loved one have the care, comfort and support they need. As the only adult Hospice in the Hartlepool and East Durham area, it makes a vital difference to the lives of thousands of families each year.

The third recipient, Ewan Barry, from South Shields, suffers from Friedrich’s Ataxia, which causes progressive damage to the nervous system. The 14-year-old has also been diagnosed with a heart muscle disorder and scoliosis, causing his spine to curve. His condition is deteriorating and donations to Ewan will help provide multi-sensory equipment.

The safety incentive scheme operated by OGN and client Talisman Sinopec Energy UK Limited is based upon the safety performance achieved by the workforce on the Montrose Area Redevelopment Jacket project.

OGN Group is an engineering, procurement and construction specialist based on the banks of the River Tyne.

Talisman Sinopec is a dynamic oil and gas exploration and production company operating in the North Sea.

David Edwards, chief executive Officer at OGN, said: “The charity element of the scheme has made staff more determined than ever to maintain a safe working environment. The opportunity to select the causes that receive the funds is also a great motivator and we always get plenty of suggestions for recipients.

“It is great to hear how the funds raised from the Safety Incentive Scheme will make a difference and look forward to helping many more causes and individuals in the future.”

Carol Sennett, from Hartlepool and District Hospice, said: “The hospice is extremely grateful to OGN and Talisman Sinopec for its generous donation. It has helped us continue to help those affected by life limiting illnesses and provide support to their loved ones.”

Ewan’s Mum, Lisa Cowley, said: “We are very thankful for the kind donation, it has brought us a step closer to being able to buy specialist sensory equipment. Once we have the equipment it will allow Ewan to be more comfortable at home and will hopefully help prolong what sight he has left.”

Nisha Sehgal said: “My daughter Maya and our family are appreciative for the significant donation OGN and Talisman Sinopec have made. It will go towards a very worthy cause, which will help the hospital buy machinery that will help young cancer patients.”