JCB has launched the biggest-ever fundraising drive for the NSPCC in its history – with a target of £2 million.

The appeal will culminate in 2025 when JCB celebrates its 80th anniversary – and 40 years of support for the UK’s leading children’s charity. It was through Carole Bamford that the NSPCC originally became JCB’s nominated charity, with millions of pounds raised over the years.

Today Lady Bamford said: “The support JCB employees give to the NSPCC makes a real difference to children in our communities. The Appeal is already off to a wonderful start, and I know everyone will rise to this challenge. Most of all I want everyone to have fun as we raise money for this most deserving of causes.”

The NSPCC appeal was launched at the World HQ in Rocester attended by school children from the nearby Dove CE Academy. The NSPCC helps to keep more than a million children safer through its work with schools, national helplines, and specialist centres such as Carole House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which was named in honour of Carole Bamford.

Lloyd Butcher, NSPCC Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “We are extremely grateful to JCB for launching this appeal to raise £2million in two years. The funding will support our local services for children and families in Staffordshire and beyond. JCB has been a significant supporter of the NSPCC for nearly 40 years and we’re incredibly thankful for their support.”

JCB Commercial Hydraulics Buyer Jessica Thompson, of Uttoxeter, is already planning three events in 2024. She said: “The NSPCC raises money for something that is close to everyone’s heart and I have volunteered to help in any way I can, in order to help raise money for this important cause.”

Hywel Phillips, of Eccleshall, near Stafford, who works at the at the JCB World Parts Centre in Uttoxeter, is aiming to run in the 2024 London Marathon to raise money for the Appeal. He said: “I am proud to be part of the two-year fund-raising drive. The more sponsorship I get and the more I encourage others to fund raise, the more motivation I will have to complete the marathon.”

The appeal is already off to a flying start with this Thursday’s JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run kicking off the fund raising. It will be followed by the JCB Sportive cycling event, a Three Peaks climb, a bake-off competition and a football challenge tournament. The JCB Championship at the Golf & Country Club this summer promises to be the headline fundraising event of the Appeal.