Farnell has reached a major milestone in fundraising after the latest edition of its annual Golf Day saw more than £200,000 donated to a UK charity across a 20-year period.

The Leeds-based distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance and repair, first established its relationship with Epilepsy Research UK in 2003 upon the tragic death of the son of John Hirst, Farnell CEO at the time.

This Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) laid the foundation of a long-term relationship and, after the 19th annual Farnell Golf Day held at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds raised more than more than £15,000, the overall total donated by Farnell to the charity surpassed £200,000.

Sponsors of the Farnell Golf Day included Hammond, EMS Cargo, EDAC, Panduit, Molex, KIVO Freight, Grand Bridges, Harting, Kyocera AVX, Richardson Electrical, Omega, Avnet Abacus, Tektronix, BS Handling and Napier amongst others, with all funds raised going to Epilepsy Research UK.

The annual event also marked the retirement of Rob Rospedzhowski, Farnell President Sales EMEA, who played a key role in the success of the partnership with Epilepsy Research UK after joining Farnell in 2001. Rob said: “I am immensely proud of Farnell’s long-term commitment to support Epilepsy Research UK and the incredible work that they do. I would like to say a big thank you to our customers and suppliers who supported our fundraisers, which I have been privileged to be involved with for 20 years. To raise over £200,000 is something that we can all feel very proud of, and this is a wonderful occasion on which to commence my retirement.”

Maxine Smeaton, Epilepsy Research UK Chief Executive, said, “We know that research holds the key to better diagnosis, treatments and drugs that will reduce the risk of sudden death in young people. But we also know that without the support of incredible people like Rob and the team at Farnell, we won’t make the breakthroughs so urgently needed. We wish Rob all the very best in his retirement and look forward to staying in touch!”

The 2024 Farnell Golf Day will take place on 27th June at Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds.