Here, to launch our exciting new partnership with Marie Curie, Maurice explains his interest in the charity, which provides support to those with a terminal illness, and how he is looking forward to a fantastic year of fundraising.

The Chardon Group has had Marie Curie as its company charity for several years but I have been personally involved with the charity for over five years when I helped to raise £16million to build a hospice near Stobhill Hospital in the north of Glasgow.

After building the hospice a committee was formed and I proudly sit on the principal fundraising committee for the west of Scotland.

I’m delighted that Interstate has chosen to support Marie Curie because I think the two organisations can build a strong relationship as they share many of the same values.

Corporate support for charities is so important because it gives a human face to any business and its management team. It can also involve all the staff collectively so it’s great for moral and team building which is only a positive thing for any organisation.

There’s nothing better than joining forces with friends and colleagues to do something charitable and help people who are going through a very difficult time.

It’s set to be an exciting year of fundraising and I’m really looking forward to seeing what activities the hotels get up to so not only can they raise as much money as possible but also have a lot of fun along the way.

I’m already getting indications that Interstate are aiming for a very significant amount of money and they hope to beat the totals from previous years so you definitely need to keep watching this space for news on how they got on!

To all those Interstate and hotel staff up and down the country embarking on fundraising activities over the coming weeks and months, I would say give it your best shot! There are no ‘fees’ deducted from your efforts as all the money goes straight to the front line services which Marie Curie provide to anyone needing palliative care. It is such a worthwhile cause.

I would also like to help spread the word and encourage any suppliers who work with Interstate to consider a contribution as any money raised will be put to great use here in the UK. It really generates the goodwill within the company and across its stakeholders that people are giving back to society and those in special need.

Good luck to all!