THE LOG CABIN volunteers in Ealing received a helping hand from the launch of a global volunteering initiative last month.

The special play facility for young people with disabilities or additional needs which is now used by more than 350 children every year, saw volunteers support the launch on Friday, September 23.

The initiative by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company specialising in the development of life-transforming therapies for patients, saw 36 volunteers from the Alexion UK office join more than 1,500 employees around the world.

As part of the first Global Day of Service, the activities, coordinated by Hand On London, included helping to maintain special play facilities at The Log Cabin, which was founded in 1977 by the Mayor of Ealing.

Jon Meech from Hands On London said: “The support offered to these London charities by Alexion demonstrates what can be achieved through volunteering.

“Employees will help transform a children’s play area that will bring hours of fun to kids with special needs, and help lighten the burden of families whose children are in hospital.” 

Volunteers also assisted in building maintenance and preparing meals for families at Ronald McDonald House in Tooting, which provides a ‘home away from home’ for families with children undergoing treatment at St George’s Hospital.

Sara Trafford-Jones, VP and  general manager of Alexion UK, said: “We are very proud to support these charities which make a huge difference to the lives of so many children, young people and families.

“The volunteer service that will be provided by our Alexion staff demonstrates not only our commitment to our local communities but also our values as a company.

“Likewise, Alexion’s mantra is to transform the lives of patients living with devastating and rare diseases.”