A fund has been launched in memory of a leading light at an Ipswich-based construction firm following his death in December.

Nick Fayers, managing director of Barnes Construction for 18 years, died at the age of 56 as a result of a long-standing medical condition, MEN1.

Now a steering committee made up of a group of volunteers, including Nick’s widow, Julie, mother Liz and children Charlotte, William and Hannah, has come together to launch the Nick Fayers Amend Fund.

The committee also includes colleagues at Barnes and local companies involved in property and construction including Castons, KLH Architects, MLM Group and Johns Slater Haward.

Their aim is to hold a range of activities and events that will attract donations and raise as much money as possible to help those affected by MEN1, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, a relatively unknown genetic condition which causes tumours in the body’s endocrine system.

Julie Fayers, who has been appointed as a regional co-ordinator for AMEND, gave up her job to look after Nick when he was ill. She says she has been overwhelmed by the goodwill messages and support she has received after Nick died.

“The family has been touched by the willingness of others to give up their valuable time to help raise money for this relatively unknown illness,” she said.

“The sad fact is that all three of our children have inherited the condition, so I know Nick would have been as grateful as I am that we are raising money that will go directly to support further research into MEN1, research that will hopefully find a cure which could help them and their children.”

Nick, who was brought up in Ipswich and attended St John’s Primary School, Copleston High School and Suffolk College, spent all 34 years of his career with Barnes.

The Big Blue Piggy has joined the committee and will be travelling around the county attracting donations, as well as being a place for those that knew Nick to sign and jot down their memories of him.

The campaign runs until January 2019, culminating in a fundraising supper at Trinity Park when a final cheque is handed to AMEND. To donate, visit www.virgingmoneygiving.com and enter Nick Fayers.