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Feb

Last Updated: 15/02/2024

Fundraiser launched in support of Harrogate businessman David Simister

by Lauren Ryan

| 15 Feb, 2024

David Simister and Nicola Stamford

A Harrogate public relations company is to raise funds this year to support their former colleague and well known businessman David Simister.

Mr Simister suffered a life-changing stroke in March last year and now requires round-the-clock care.

During his career, he worked his way up from being a journalist on the Harrogate Advertiser and the Yorkshire Post to being PR manager for Yorkshire Water, before joining forces with good friend Richard Chew to set up Different PR.

He was also a trustee of multiple community ventures, including Harrogate Town FC Community Foundation, The Royal Hall Restoration Trust, Harrogate Hospital Radio and was chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.

On top of this, he provided PR services for the likes of Harrogate International Festivals, Harrogate Business Improvement District and Ashville College and served as a councillor for four years on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Nicola Stamford, the owner and founding director of the Big Bamboo Agency has been friends with Mr Simister for the last 24 years.

The agency today announced its fundraising efforts for the year ahead will focus on enabling Mr Simister's family to ensure his ongoing day-to-day care needs are met.

Ms Stamford said:

“David is a lifelong friend of mine, since he first gave me a placement student position at Yorkshire Water as part of my PR degree at Leeds Metropolitan University. He’s been by my side professionally and as a dear friend since that moment, in fact he taught me a lot of what I know.

“Every year as an agency we support a good cause and for me there is no better one than this to raise money for David and his family, so they can buy the equipment he needs to live as full a life as he can.”

Andrew Simister, David’s twin brother, added:

“We have been overwhelmed by the support and kindness shown over the last 11 months. David has a lot of very close friends, who have been by his side and Nicola is no exception.

“Anything that can be done to raise money for his continued care is fantastic, so we are grateful to Nicola and her wider team. As a family, we look forward to getting involved in this fundraising campaign, however we can, along the way.”

A number of fundraising events are being planned for 2024. Anyone wanting to join the activities can contact Big Bamboo, or make a donation here.

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Fundraiser launched in support of Harrogate businessman David Simister

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