Annual Awards raises record £10,000 for Heel and Toe Children’s Charity
01 December 2025
The region’s civil engineering sector celebrated both industry excellence and a £10,000 record-breaking fundraising achievement, at the 2025 Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East Annual Awards dinner.
For the fifth consecutive year, the event supported the Heel and Toe Children’s Charity, providing free and subsidised life-changing therapies to children with physical disabilities and complex needs.
The CECA management board was presented with a special recognition award from the charity on the night, in acknowledgement of the significant funds raised over the past five years and the positive impact this support has had on children across the region.
Heel & Toe Children’s Charity is North East-based and is currently urging companies and individuals to donate to its Hydrotherapy Pool Capital Appeal.
Generous contributions from attendees on the night and an auction to win a piece of North East history – a Tyne Bridge rivet – raised £10,000 for the charity, the highest amount yet achieved at the annual dinner. In June, members of the CECA management board also raised £1,500 for the charity by taking part in the Total Warrior challenge.
Previous CECA annual awards dinner fundraising totals were £5,000 in 2021, £6,000 in 2022, £6,000 in 2023 and £6,000 in 2024. This year’s total of £10,000 marks a significant increase in funds raised, reflecting the ongoing generosity of the North East civil engineering community and their commitment to supporting local causes.
CECA North East represents the region’s civil engineering sector, promoting best practice, safety, training and innovation within the industry. Its annual awards evening brings together contractors, suppliers, clients and other stakeholders to celebrate achievements across the sector, while also supporting local charitable initiatives.
Amanda Tweedy, deputy chief executive at Heel and Toe Children’s Charity, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be chosen as CECA’s charity partner for the fifth consecutive year and we were astounded by the incredible amount raised at the 2025 Awards Dinner. Each year, the generosity of the CECA Committee, members and guests leaves us humbled and it means so much to us that they have continued to support Heel & Toe. Over the years, these funds have helped us meet rising operational costs, repair our hydrotherapy pool, and continue offering free therapy sessions, to disabled children across the North East. We are immensely grateful to the CECA Committee for their outstanding support and it was an honour for me to present them with an award on the night.”
Stuart Miller, director of CECA North East, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s fundraising efforts. The generosity shown by everyone attending the awards, combined with the excitement of the Tyne Bridge rivet auction and the additional £1,500 raised through the Total Warrior Challenge, has made this our most successful year yet.
“Over the past five years, we have raised a total of £34,500 for Heel and Toe Children’s Charity, providing vital support to many families across the region. It has been fantastic to see the sector coming together not just to celebrate our achievements but to make a real difference for children who need it most. Congratulations to everyone involved on the night in helping us reach a record £10,000 for the charity.”
Picture Caption: Members of the CECA committee with Amanda Tweedy, deputy chief executive of Heel and Toe Children’s Charity.