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Simoco Names Brain Tumour Research as Charity of the Year in Memory of Beloved Late CEO

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Following the death of Mike Norfield from an incurable and aggressive brain tumour, Simoco has chosen Brain Tumour Research as its Charity of the Year. Mike, who had led the company for over two decades, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in December 2022 and died in January 2025, aged 61. Staff across the business have been paying tribute to their former CEO, raising over £2,500 through various fundraising activities. The company has pledged to match all donations made by staff in the hope that a cure can be discovered for this devastating disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • Simoco has named Brain Tumour Research as its Charity of the Year in memory of Mike Norfield, their former CEO who died from a glioblastoma in January 2025.
  • Mike, who led the company for over two decades, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in December 2022 and underwent surgery to remove the tumour, but it had already spread.
  • Despite fighting cancer for 24 months, Mike lost his battle with the disease.
  • Staff at Simoco have been paying tribute to Mike, raising over £2,500 through various fundraising activities, including bake sales and a 200k in May challenge.
  • The company has pledged to match all donations made by staff in the hope that a cure can be discovered for brain tumours.
  • Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age, killing more men under 75 than prostate cancer.
  • Just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
  • Mark Preston, a close friend of Mike's, recalled Mike's kindness, loyalty, and determination in the face of his terminal diagnosis.
  • Sue Mills, Group HR Director at Simoco, said the company chose to support Brain Tumour Research because it was the overwhelming favourite among staff.
  • Simoco has already taken part in several fundraising activities and plans to take on more challenges throughout the year.

Statistics:

  • Brain tumours kill more men under 75 than prostate cancer.
  • Just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
  • Over £2,500 has been raised by Simoco staff through various fundraising activities.
  • £2,500 will be matched by Simoco to support Brain Tumour Research.
  • 10 Simoco staff are training for a 15km Tough Mudder in June.
  • Brain tumours affect anyone at any age, regardless of background or profession.

Sources:

  • JustGiving page for Simoco's fundraising in memory of Mike Norfield: www.justgiving.com/page/mikenorfeld-simoco
  • Images of Mike Norfield from various Simoco events: https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmNkZDFlYmVlLTMzMGUtNGQxMi05ZTk3LWJiNjI5YjcyYjc4ZTozYjdmZjhiNi1kNWRhLTQ4N2UtOTIzOS05NzdlYzk3ZjY5ZWQ=.jpg
  • https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjNhMWYzMmMyLTA3YWYtNDk2MS1hNTljLTgzN2Y1MjQzMzZkZDo2ZGEwOWY3OS03NWM4LTQyZmYtYmE4OS03ZDJiMTU2NjdjODI=.jpg
  • https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjljMmQ1ZjVlLTRkYzgtNDIyMy1iMDZjLTc0MWI5ZDMyNTg5YzpmNTc1NGU5ZS1iNWI5LTQ2Y2UtYTNmNi02MDZjYTJiNzliZjI=.jpg
  • https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjIyOWZmNjlmLTFlNTctNGQ1Zi04ODA4LWVmZThhODBmODk4Yzo4NTA3YmIzNy02ZGVlLTQ2ZjUtOWRkNS00YmY0Yjg3NjY5OWQ=.jpg

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