Valero Refinery Pembroke donated £10,000 to the DPJ Foundation recently to celebrate the mental health farming charity’s term as the refinery’s charity of the year coming to an end.

During this time (stretched over two years because of the pandemic) close on £25,000 was raised in a variety of ways ranging from charity coastal runs, raffles, charity bake off events and the ever-popular bobble hat knitting event held just before the festive period.

The contribution will go a long way to ‘making a huge difference to the charity’ according to the foundation’s manager Kate Miles.

“I cannot thank the refinery enough for all they have done for us,” she said. “This really is a staggering amount and really does make a huge difference to us at the DPJ Foundation.”

Stephen Thornton, Valero’s Public Affairs manager added:

“Raising money during the Pandemic has brought about many challenges yet our workforce rose above and beyond them to raise significant sums for a worthwhile cause.

“By coincidence the cheque was presented soon after DPJ made their 500th referral which shows the strides they are making for mental health in agriculture and it’s a pleasure to know that we have played a part in helping them to help others get the help they need.”