Ubs Becomes First Sponsor Of Andy Cole Fund
Kidney Research UK has welcomed global financial services firm UBS as the first corporate supporter of the Andy Cole Fund.
Launched by former Manchester United and England star Andy Cole in May 2020, five years after he suffered kidney failure, the fund aims to further research into kidney disease.
Spurred on by kidney patient Sarah Viner, co-chair of the inclusive staff network Ability Awareness at UBS, the firm decided to join Andy Cole’s First XI – a club of 11 businesses forming the backbone of the fund through sponsorship. Kidney Research UK will be tasked with finding more businesses to join the ‘team’.
The announcement comes as UBS prepares to mark the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December by running a programme of virtual internal activities for staff.
“One reason I set up the Andy Cole Fund was because people just don’t understand how hard it can be living with kidney disease,” said Cole.
“It’s a hidden condition. Often you wouldn’t know what someone is going through just by looking at them. I’ve found it really tough and I’m hoping we can make it so much better for others, by helping scientists to work out how to improve transplants and patients’ mental health. I’m so happy that UBS are joining my team – their sponsorship will help us change the game for kidney patients.”
Marc Stowell, Executive Director of Income Generation for Kidney Research UK said: “This is a special partnership between former international footballer Andy, leading global financial services company UBS, and the largest kidney research charity in the UK. Together, we will increase awareness of kidney disease and the Andy Cole Fund across the globe and make a huge difference to people’s lives through groundbreaking research. We are very excited to bring UBS on board.”
Image credit: Survivors Life Unfiltered – Richard Booth
