Backup Tech, the charity supporting those working behind the scenes in the entertainment technology industry, is celebrating a wave of successful fundraising initiatives that demonstrate the industry’s commitment to supporting its own workforce.

The Profile Awards, created by Jennie and Durham Marenghi, celebrate excellence in theatre and television lighting design in the UK and held its second annual event during the ABTT Show at Alexandra Palace in June. This year’s event delivered exceptional results, with headline sponsor Ayrton and many other Awards sponsors contributing to a total donation of £2,000 to Backup, supplemented by £233 raised through the popular ‘Donate for a Mate’ initiative. The donation was presented by Briony Berning, Design, Training and Business Development Engineer at Ayrton, to Backup’s Charity Co-ordinator Jess Allan on the night.

Matt Hallard, European Sales Director at Ayrton, reflects on the company’s continued support: “When Durham and Jennie approached us with their vision of bringing recognition back to the world of creatives behind theatre and TV, we were thrilled to get involved. We proudly came on board as the headline sponsor for the inaugural awards in 2024 and continued our support for the most recent ceremony last month. As part of our 2024 sponsorship, we made a donation to Backup. In 2025, we were pleased to do the same — this time alongside other sponsors. Long may the awards thrive under their leadership and long may we all continue to recognise and support such a needed cause for our industry.”

Meanwhile, Jack Gomm, known on social media as “The Running Tech,” continues his impressive fundraising journey through the Backup Challenge Fundraiser. This major challenge, taking place on 28th March 2026, will see him run 40 miles from his childhood home in Ivinghoe Aston, Buckinghamshire to where he lives today in Tooting. Jack has already raised over £800 towards his £2,500 goal through his Raisely page to support technicians and entertainment industry professionals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. 

Jack has worked as Project Manager at AV event production and hire company, Perception Live, for around two years. The company has provided invaluable support to Jack regarding his own personal struggles, as well as promoting and spreading the word about his charity fundraiser challenge.

“It’s a stressful industry and one that is fast paced and dynamic, which brings challenges we love, but that can also bring pressure,” Jack says. “Being a project manager in the events and entertainment industry, and a recovered cocaine addict, I understand the importance of Backup’s work and the lives it can change.”

Adding to the running community’s support for Backup, Ben Payne, Senior Director – Business Development at Harman, has undertaken his own unique running challenge. Starting from never being able to run 100 metres just a year ago, Ben has committed to completing a half marathon distance across eight days by running the London Vitality 10k and Cambridge Town and Gown 10k on back-to-back weekends, then completing an additional 1.1km mid-week.

“To raise money for the wonderful Backup Tech charity, who do so much to support those in the industry, I am going to be running a half marathon, but with a difference,” Ben explains. “Whilst I’m doing it as a personal challenge for me, I thought that if I could raise a little more money for Backup, then that would be a good thing to do! I took it on because I’ve found that running has helped with both my fitness and mental health. I’ve enjoyed it far more than I thought I ever would.” You can support Ben’s Raisely page here

Neg Earth Lights demonstrated corporate social responsibility through a Charity Plant Sale organised by Procurement Manager, Matthew Alston. Staff generosity resulted in £280.91 raised for Backup Tech, showing how workplace initiatives can make a meaningful difference.

“Neg Earth Lights have partnered with Backup for several years, and it’s important for Pip, Dave and Sam Ridgway (MD/Directors) to support an industry charity that does such amazing work,” says Anna Gould, Head of Marketing at Neg Earth Lights. “We do quite a few fundraising initiatives throughout the year, like plant sales, swag sales, bake sales – all to raise money for industry charities. We’re also supporting the Backup Village Fete this year to drive awareness for this important charity doing great work supporting technical professionals in the entertainment industry.”

For the third consecutive year, Marisa Beckman has organised a tea and chat fundraiser, set to take place during the London International Horse Show this December, continuing her dedicated support for Backup’s mission. Marisa’s most recent tea and chat fundraiser raised £173.28 for the charity.

Finally, in a remarkable show of solidarity, Lighting Technician Urko Arruza has just completed a 220km walk along the Grand Union Canal from London to Birmingham. His “Solidarity Walk for Mental Health in Live Entertainment”, from July 7th-11th, aims to raise awareness of mental health challenges in the industry while generating funds for Backup.

Urko’s initiative highlights critical issues facing entertainment industry professionals, including chronic job insecurity, extreme working hours, lack of structural support, social isolation, and the lasting impact of COVID-19 on the sector. He passed the initial fundraising goal on his Raisely page, and, having increased his target, has now raised over £2,200.

“The entertainment industry has given me so much over the years, but I’ve also seen how it can take its toll on people’s mental health and wellbeing,” Urko says. “I saw this quote somewhere – ‘Touring Gives, Touring Takes’ – and it really sums up what I feel. That’s why I’m walking 220km along the Grand Union Canal – to show solidarity with everyone in our industry who’s struggling and to raise awareness that we need to look after each other better. Mental health challenges are real in live entertainment, and through Backup we can make sure no one has to face them alone.”

To find out more about Backup fundraising initiatives, donate, or set up your own challenge, click here