Over the course of the summer Jennifer (Jen) Deeney, a director of nursing based in Liverpool, has embarked on a UK-wide mission to visit 50 lighthouses to raise awareness and funds for the Lighthouse Charity; a charity providing holistic emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support for construction workers and their families. The charity is of particular significance to Jen. In 2004, her husband Kieron was killed whilst working on a construction site in a lift shaft accident.
Jen married Kieron Deeney on the 8th May 2004, and she spent just 13 weeks and 2 days as his wife before his untimely death on the 9th August. Her grief was met with unwavering support from both the construction community and the Lighthouse Charity, and she made a promise to herself to become a champion for construction worker safety, and to repay the kindness she had received.
Jen’s Lighthouse Challenge is the latest and most extraordinary way she honours her promise. Jen and her family will walk until the 9th August, marking 21 years since Kieron’s death, where they will conclude their journey with a visit to his memorial at Heron Quays.
Using the powerful symbolism of the lighthouse, Jen has found a way to shine a light on the importance of support and safety in the industry; raising funds and awareness for the charity that supported her, and honour Kieron’s memory in the process.
So far, Jen’s journey has taken her from Leasowe Lighthouse on the Wirral Peninsula, over to the Northeast coast, and to St Mary’s in Whitley Bay – the very lighthouse that inspired the formation of the Lighthouse Charity. She has gone north to the Scottish Highlands and back south to Dover. News of the challenge has spread further afield with a network of supporters all over the world, Jen has been receiving photographs of lighthouses in France, Abu Dhabi and New Zealand along with messages of encouragement and support. With around 30 lighthouses visited so far, Jen is taking on the second half with unerring enthusiasm.
Her passion for supporting our construction community is evident. “I promised I would never forget the kindness and support I received when Kieron died,” Jen said, “I vowed to pay it forward and I have been advocating positive wellbeing and safety in our industry for 21 years. This is my latest challenge and anyone that knows me, also knows that I have big ambitions! I want to let every construction worker and their family know I’m still their biggest champion.”
Sarah Bolton CEO of the Lighthouse Charity added, “We are always amazed at some of the challenges our supporters undertake to raise funds for us. Jen’s very personal story and unique Lighthouse Challenge highlights her passion and dedication for supporting the Lighthouse Charity and our whole community. As well as raising a truly amazing amount of money, Jen’s epic journey shines a light on the help available and raises awareness of how people can reach out for the support they need. Jen’s motivation and commitment to make a difference is truly inspirational.”
As part of her commitment to the community, Jen has also pioneered a safety training programme, ‘It Will Never Happen to Me.’ It includes a powerful video in which she speaks candidly about the impact of losing her husband, and how workplace accidents can be prevented.
To date, she has raised £17,453 for Lighthouse, with donations from friends, family, individuals and industry giants. Kent-based engineering company Laing O’Rourke have proven to be a huge support, raising an incredible £11,000 through lighthouse-themed workplace initiatives of their own. There have also been sizeable donations from Gallagher Group, Ardent Tide and Danny Sullivan Group.
The challenge will conclude on 9th August with a visit to the final lighthouse at Trinity Buoy Wharf. From there, Jen’s support team will take part in a memorial walk to Heron Quays followed by a celebration kindly orchestrated by The Hilton Hotel.
Jen is encouraging anyone motivated by the cause to contribute in any way they can; by joining her on a walk, organising a fundraiser at work, or simply donating via her Just Giving page. You can check out her upcoming itinerary, or talk to her about joining one of her walks, by visiting her Instagram page @jenslighthousetour.
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