On 12 January 2023, Marks and Spencer employee, Neil Joesbury will kick off his fundraising this year for not-for-profit organisation, Forward Carers by undertaking a ten-mile walk. Neil is a Carer Ambassador for Forward Carers and is passionate about raising awareness of unpaid Carers who support a family member or close friend who has a disability, serious illness, frailty, or addiction.

As a Carer Ambassador, Neil volunteers for Forward Carers to promote carer friendly communities, places that understand, value and support unpaid Carers. Neil works part time at Marks and Spencer and is fortunate that his managers are understanding and flexible around his caring responsibilities to his father and brother.

Neil will start his walk at 11.00am from Marks and Spencer Longbridge, one of the largest new Marks and Spencer stores in Europe. From there Neil will walk to Northfield and walk through the high street towards Marks Spencer Foodhall in Selly Oak. The Forward Carers office is based in Selly Oak so the team will be at the Foodhall at 3.00pm to cheer Neil on as he then sets off to make his way to Birmingham city centre where his ten-mile walk will end at around 5.00pm.

Neil has been instrumental in working with managers at Marks and Spencer to help them improve their support for Carers across the organisation, such as flexible working and allowing mobile phones on the shop floor for emergency calls.

Forward Carers has supported Neil throughout his caring journey and is thrilled to have him on board as a Carer Ambassador. The funds raised will go towards supporting Carers like Neil so if you would like to make a donation before or after his walk, visit his fundraising page.

If you would like to become a volunteer for Forward Carers, find out how you can get involved here.