Could you help save Kelly Durkin's life?

This is a change of subject from our usual blog posts but this story is too important not to share.

Kelly Durkin, married to Mick and a busy mum to of Ryan, 14 and Connor, 12 has been fighting cancer of the cervix and pelvis for some time and it has now spread to other parts of her body.  At the age of 37, NHS doctors now say that there are no more options left for Kelly.  However, she and her family aren’t ready to give up.  There is a pioneering treatment in Germany that could be the chance she needs.

First, they need to stabilise Kelly’s health so she is well enough to make the journey.  They are raising funds to buy life prolonging drug Avastin, which is not available on the NHS and costs £3,500 every few weeks.  Hopes are that this will buy Kelly more time and give her the strength that she needs to fly to Germany. 

She will need a special air ambulance to get there and to continue taking the Avastin.  The main barrier to all of this is cost.  Kelly’s friends and family aim to raise the £60,000 which could save her life and we would like to appeal to you help in any way you can.

There are a number of fundraising events coming up near the East Keswick (Leeds) area.  If you would like information on these dates or to donate online please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/78892w

 If you’d like to read more on Kelly’s story, please see http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/battle-to-save-leeds-mum-s-life-1-6491469

March Public Sector Budget Surplus Spend

Our public sector colleagues in procurement will be particularly focused on one issue this and every March.  The annual budget needs to be spent in the next few weeks or there is a risk it will be cut next year.  The system may lack a certain amount of logic and has, at some point, been a source of frustration for all involved with the process.  However, there is no getting around it, and so we find ourselves in the midst of 'March Madness' once more.

It is a strange month for Scorpio because it can be very difficult to predict sales.  Obviously, some Trusts will have spent their budgets and will be holding out until next month.  Other Trusts will have a surplus to spend and, as printer ink and toners are one of the most sensible commodities to invest in, we often see a large peak in sales at this time.  Rest assured, we are prepared and have the warehouse facilities to handle unexpected fluctuations in ordering.

Compared to other items of the same value, printer ink and toners are relatively small and easy to store in large quantities.  Our one year warranties mean that our customers feel confident to order in advance, knowing that there will be no problems when they come to use them.  Printer ink and toners are always going to be required so it is a safe investment if you can buy in bulk now against price rises in future.

If you are struggling to stay within your budget and are running low on stock, do contact your account manager to discuss how we can help.  We understand how difficult it can be at this time of year and we are prepared to be flexible to make sure you have the essentials to keep your department running.