Update: SIRIUS


Sirius continues with its decades of charitable support. For 2026 partnering with OCHRE


Since being founded in 2001, the Sirius Buying Group has supported and contributed to many deserving charities and foundations over the years. Collectively, the Group and its supporting Approved Suppliers and Members have donated well over £200,000 and it pledges to continue Group support for even more worthy causes.


A


s one of the leading buying groups within the independent domestic


electrical appliance and kitchen sector, for 2026, Sirius is delighted to have partnered with OCHRE, the Oesophageal Cancer Charity.


OCHRE is a small but deeply committed


charity dedicated to improving the lives of those aff ected by oesophageal cancer. For more than 15 years, the organisation has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of symptoms, support patients and their families, and generate vital funding for research. At the heart of OCHRE’s work is a powerful belief - that through research, awareness and a strong community, the outlook for oesophageal cancer care can be transformed. Founder and Campaign Director at OCHRE,


Kate Cunningham, says “We are absolutely thrilled to have Sirius Buying Group’s support this year and look forward to working together in 2026. Oesophageal cancer is a cancer that’s extremely hard to diagnose and the support and awareness that Sirius will bring can help us to raise awareness, as well as supporting our work to fund research into earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options for patients.” At the recent Sirius Conference in Tenerife, highlighting the OCHRE partnering, support of fi nancial donations has already commenced. Promoting this partnership throughout the year will indeed generate much needed monies to raise awareness and fund research. Operations Director at Sirius Buying Group,


Mark Veysey, comments “Our Members and Approved Suppliers have always shown incredible generosity when it comes to supporting our charity initiatives and we’re extremely grateful for that continued commitment. Our Approved Suppliers are always quick to donate fantastic products and experiences during our charity auction held in September at our annual Trade Show / Awards


12 | www.ierdaily.co.uk


event where our Members consistently show their support by ensuring those donations receive the bids they truly deserve on the night. It’s something the entire Group takes great pride in.” This year’s partnership with OCHRE is


particularly meaningful for Sirius Buying Group following the recent diagnosis of long-standing Member, John Wardman of Domestic Supplies in Mansfi eld, who has been diagnosed with early- stage oesophageal cancer arising from Barrett’s oesophagus. John is currently undergoing an intensive course of chemotherapy. For two to three years before his diagnosis,


John regularly relied on Gaviscon to manage acid refl ux. In the two years leading up to the diagnosis, he experienced several warning signs, including waking at night choking, persistent refl ux that didn’t improve even while on holiday, and mild chest discomfort. After initially waiting to see if the symptoms would settle, he contacted his GP and was prescribed relevant medication. However, about a week later, while out


walking after breakfast, John experienced a sensation of unusual food digestion. It was a moment that prompted him to repeat his contact with his GP. Luckily, this led to an urgent referral for further investigation. Within a week, John underwent an endoscopy which revealed abnormalities in his oesophagus, including a


PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE


EDITORS FOOTNOTE As an industry we are not immune to the many health issues ourselves, family, relatives, friends or acquaintances endure through our and their lifetime. Hence, we have or know of those who probably had and still having support from a UK based charity. In fact, annually, our industry’s’ combined charitable support must run into many £millions as we all play our part, no matter how small or large. Albeit as we all know, it’s not always an easy task. In fact, it can be extremely diffi cult at times. Therefore, it’s always amazing and sometimes emotional to


see how OUR industry of independent retailers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers, are generally quick to support with their utmost generosity. We at IER applaud all who continue to support others at the same time as applauding and thanking John Wardman for his frank openness in this article regarding his dilemma and suff ering and raise awareness of his condition and the charity supporting him. On a personal note, there is empathy. As one who was also diagnosed with Barretts [as far back as 2014], having several Gastroscopy procedures, whilst the condition remains, luckily mine has been stable for over a decade so simply continuing with relevant medication addresses any future complications as no worrying changes in biopsies taken after 10+ years. In 2025 I was basically given the, ‘All Clear’ and fortunately


not endured the suff ering and major procedures John has endured. Following John’s endurance and the worthy OCHRE story,


we at IER have decided to also support this amazing charity at the forthcoming IER Awards on 3 July. Raffl e tickets for some amazing prizes will be available of the day. With John now progressively recovering from his major


operation, the IER Team wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to raising extra monies for OCHRE.


Summer 2026


3-4cm aff ected area. Further tests, including CT and PET scans, confi rmed the diagnosis of early- stage oesophageal cancer. John, who lives a very active lifestyle and values his fi tness, refl ects on the experience: “I’m deeply grateful that I acted on my symptoms instead of relying on medication alone. Doing something made all the diff erence, it has led to early diagnosis and treatment. The care I’ve received has been exceptional, and I have complete trust in the NHS team supporting me on my journey.” John’s story powerfully highlights the


importance of OCHRE’s mission - raising awareness of early symptoms, supporting patients and their families, and driving forward vital research that can save lives. To support the worthy cause, please visit the Sirius and OCHRE JustGiving page


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