J&B News & Updates

04.11.25

This Movember, we want to share a personal story from the family of one of our former colleagues and show our support for Keith, the son of our Baltic Street Line Supervisor, Jodie.

Remembering Calum

Earlier this year, Keith’s older brother, Calum, who worked with us through agency mainly on the platform and pre-sort at our Tomlinson Road Plant, sadly passed away in June after a heart attack.

Calum was remembered by colleagues and friends for his warmth, kindness, and the positive impact he had on everyone around him. His family shared that they had no idea just how many lives he touched until messages of support and memories started coming in.

Keith’s Motivation

Keith has a strong connection to J&B Recycling through his father, Jodie Pearson, and his brother Calum’s time with the company. Keith, who is currently studying at university in Sheffield with the goal of joining the police force, is taking part in Movember to honour his brother and raise awareness for men’s health, both physical and mental.

Here’s what Keith shared about why this campaign is so important to him:

“I'm raising funds and awareness this Movember for Men's Health. This year I unexpectedly lost my older brother to a sudden illness, and it's been the hardest experience of my life. As a family we've come a lot closer, and I think everyone should say how they feel and be comfortable doing. His death, as heart breaking as it is, is a reminder that anything can happen to anyone at any time. We need to destigmatise men’s health, both physical and mental, as tomorrow isn't guaranteed for any of us. And if Calum were still here now, I know he'd want me to do this, mainly to make jokes about how bad my moustache is, but also because he cared so much about everyone and how they were, and it is a mindset that I want to have as well.”

Why Men’s Health Matters

Movember is about encouraging men to take care of their health and helping remove the stigma around talking about physical and mental wellbeing. By sharing his story, Keith hopes to inspire others to check in on themselves, their friends, and their family members. 

Movember is a global movement celebrated every November that focuses on men’s health, raising awareness and funds for issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Participants are encouraged to grow mustaches throughout the month to spark conversations about these important health issues. Since its inception, Movember has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide, transforming how health services support men - and we are proud to be apart of it!

Words from the Team

Calum made a lasting impact on those he worked with, and his colleagues remember him fondly. Ashleigh, Operations Manager at the Tomlinson Road Plant, shared:

“Calum was always someone who brought positivity and energy to the team. His dedication and kindness left a mark on everyone who worked with him, and we remember him fondly.’’

How You Can Help

If you’d like to support Keith and contribute to his Movember campaign, you can donate here - Movember - Home. Let’s get behind Keith, honour Calum’s memory, and help raise awareness for men’s health this Movember.