Staff from AmbiRad and Reznor UK put on their favourite festive jumpers last December for a Christmas-themed charity event in support of colleague Howard Marfleet, who was suffering from oesophageal cancer.

Christmas ties, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, novelty earrings and tinsel were all worn, while mince pies and cakes were also on sale during ‘Christmas Jumper Day’. The event raised £1,200 and the proceeds been donated to the Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA) in memory of Reznor sales manager Howard, who died in January.

The OPA has been supporting people affected by oesophageal or gastric cancers, their carers and family for the past 30 years.

Receiving the cheque for £1,200 on behalf of the OPA, operations manager Maggie Robinson said: 'We offer support to people with oesophageal or gastric cancers at all stages of their illness, whether they are coming to terms with the diagnosis, facing the prospect of treatment by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or receiving palliative care.

'Our vital work is funded entirely by donations, as we are an independent registered charity, so we are very grateful to AmbiRad Group and its staff for this most generous donation.'

Simon Parker, Nortek Global HVAC’s General Manager Europe, said: 'Howard was respected throughout the HVAC industry and was a very popular member of our team, who is much missed.

'The enthusiasm with which everyone joined in the fun on Christmas Jumper Day is testament to the esteem in which Howard was held, and we are delighted that our donation will help to further the Oesophageal Patients Association’s important work.'