Nexus workers have helped to raise £1,800 for the Great North Air Ambulance after a charity walk held in memory of a much-loved colleague. Wayne Monaghan worked for Nexus as a Track Inspection and Testing Production Supervisor and passed away aged 53 in July 2023.
Wayne was a passionate and enthusiastic fundraiser and wellbeing advocate and he ran Nexus’ wellbeing walks where groups of employees went out for walks. Whilst leading one of these Wellbeing Walks in the Lake District he become unwell and despite the efforts of the Cockermouth and Wasdale Mountain Rescue Teams and the Great North Air Ambulance Service he died at the scene.
Stuart Clarke, Nexus Infrastructure Director, said: “Wayne worked for us for 12 years, and we were all devasted when he died. He was a professional, hardworking, and committed colleague, but equally he was well known for his fundraising activities and encouraging us all to be more active.”
“His wellbeing walks and other activities have raised thousands for local charities over the years, and on the day before he died, he won an award for his commitment to fundraising at our employee awards ceremony. He is missed by many at Nexus, but we were determined to honour his memory with a walk to raise more money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.”
The walk in Wayne’s memory took place back in October and saw over 100 Nexus employees and members of his family (including wife Lynda and son Ross) walk from South Shields to Seaburn. Lynda and family were also gifted a bespoke railway style plaque bearing Wayne’s nickname, Monty.
£1,300 was raised on the day and a further £500 was match funded by Lloyds Bank, thanks to Lisa Bell, a former Nexus employee who now works for them.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service was Nexus’ corporate charity of the year in 2022-23 with a total of £5,500 raised for the charity.