It all started with a simple act of kindness. Rob Dare, fire and rescue manager at Tata Steel UK, decided to visit the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales at Christmas to deliver selection boxes to children after securing donations from Tata Steel UK contractors. What seemed like a small gesture turned into something much bigger.
Fast forward 18 months, and Rob’s passion has sparked an incredible wave of support. Thanks to his drive, Tata Steel UK employees and contractors have come together, raising an incredible £15,095 for the Noah’s Ark Charity. The story of their efforts is a real testament to the power of teamwork and community spirit.
Once Rob started talking about the Noah’s Ark Charity and the impact it has on children and families, people got on board quickly. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon Tata Steel UK and its contractors were all pitching in. From cycling the CARTEN100 to running the Cardiff Half Marathon, organising seven-a-side football matches, and attending gala dinners, the team found every possible way to help.
But it wasn’t just about fundraising. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help with events, provided vans to move equipment, and even set up infrastructure for charity events. The generosity went beyond money—it was about people giving their time, skills, and energy.
One highlight was the ambassador day in the summer, when Tata Steel UK and Runtech pulled out all the stops to host family ambassadors from across Wales. It was a day filled with fun, connection, and a reminder of why everyone was working so hard to support the charity.
This wasn’t just Tata Steel UK’s effort—it was a team effort across several companies. Runtech, Acorn by Synergie, Speedy Services, Mii Engineering, JW Morris, Bijur Delimon, C&P Engineering Services, and Brand Energy and Infrastructure all played their part. Together, they formed a community determined to make a difference.
Last week at the CAPAC meeting on-site at Port Talbot, Rob, who is now a community ambassador for the charity, had the chance to share the incredible £15,095 total they’d raised.
What started with Rob’s Christmas visit has grown into something truly special. It’s proof that one person’s passion can inspire many, and that when people come together, they can create something amazing.
Rob Dare, fire and rescue manager at Tata Steel UK said: “When I took the selection boxes to the hospital and met the team, I was moved by what I saw and was impressed by the work of the Noah’s Ark Charity. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to do more and I knew that our contractors would get behind this amazing initiative. Thank you to each and every person and company who has got involved – whether you have taken on a challenge, donated, volunteered or provided gifts in kind to the charity, it all makes an incredible difference to children and families from across Wales.”
Lucy Jones, head of fundraising and development at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, expressed her gratitude, saying: “We’re so thankful to both Rob, Tata Steel and all of their contractors for their incredible effort in raising £15,095 for the Noah’s Ark Charity. We have a long-standing partnership with Tata Steel and Rob and receiving their support is so appreciated. As we operate entirely thanks to public donations, each and every donation makes a difference, ensuring that treatment and outcomes for children can continue to improve by funding new and innovative medical equipment and facilities, and emotional support can continue to be given.”
