| Details: | A memorial fund has been set up in memory of the 16 men who lost their lives in the helicopter accident off the north-east coast of Scotland on 1 April 2009, industry representative body Oil & Gas UK announced today (16 April 2009).
The North Sea Flight 85N Memorial Fund has been established to honour the fourteen offshore oil and gas employees and two pilots who died in the North Sea tragedy. Donations received will be administered by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and distributed to charitable causes, in consultation with the bereaved families and the companies directly concerned.
Malcolm Webb, Oil & Gas UK chief executive, said: "Since the accident, members of the general public and the offshore community have expressed their deep shock at the loss of life and their sympathy for the bereaved in the wish to make some form of donation. The North Sea Flight 85N Memorial Fund responds to that need and will serve as a lasting tribute to the men who died so tragically."
The memorial fund is a collective industry response to the fatal accident; the charities which will receive the monies will be decided at a future date. Individual companies will also welcome separate donations to go directly to the families of men who lost their lives.
Donations to the North Sea Flight 85N Memorial Fund can be made from 10am, Thursday 16 April, as follows:
· Online via Oil & Gas UK's website (www.oilandgasuk.co.uk)
· Credit / Debit card over the telephone on +44 (0)1732 529 305
· By cheque payable to "North Sea Flight 85N Memorial Fund" to:
Trust Department
CAF (Charities Aid Foundation)
25 Kings Hill Avenue
West Mailing
Kent ME 19 4TA
· Bank transfer facilities are available for sums above £1,000. Contact Oil & Gas UK for further details on 02078022400.
Ends
For further information, contact Britta Hallbauer on 07891769113 or bhallbauer@oilandgasuk.co.uk
Note to Editors
1. Oil & Gas UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its members are licensed by the Government to explore for and produce oil and gas in UK waters and those who form any part of the industry's supply chain.
2. The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a charity set up to help other charities by working with donors, companies and charities to encourage and facilitate a culture of giving. They do this by offering products and services that make giving easier, tax efficient and help charities to make the most of donations through their banking and fundraising support services. The CAF is setting up the Trust and providing the online donation system for the North Sea Flight 85N Memorial Fund. (www.cafonline.org)
3. While CAF will act as trustees and administer the allocation of funds to the relevant charities, its activities will be guided and the charities chosen by an industry management committee, which is yet to be appointed but will include representatives of the bereaved families and the companies affected by the helicopter tragedy. |
Back to news archive
