That’s because their fundraising mission saw two intrepid teams hiking up, down and across the Peak District as part of the Trekfest charity challenge.
Whilst the physical challenge was arduous the nine-strong group found hitting their cash target a walk in the park. The trekkers swiftly sauntered past their original £1,000 goal to raise over £1,750 before bosses at Pennine surprised them by stepping in with match funding to taking the overall tally to £3,500.74.
That amazing amount was raised at the expense of weary feet and sodden clothes endured by the hikers as they tackled 25 or 50 kilometre hikes in dismal weather. Those who took on the longer challenge some spent over 14 hours walking in almost constant rain which included scaling the national park’s highest point – the 636 metre high Kinder Scout.
“Everyone enjoyed Trekfest but it was definitely a challenge,” commented Adam Mitchell, a marketing executive at Pennine. “The weather was not particularly kind to us. It was belting down, especially on Kinder Scout where the heavens truly opened. But whilst we were all a bit wetter and worn out for the experience, our training walks paid off with us all finishing in good spirits. Knowing we’d raised so much money for such a great cause helped us all dig deep and keep going and made the whole experience more than worthwhile.”
Having accepted the trekkers sponsorship money Bury Hospice’s fundraising manager Vickie Butcher said: “We’re really grateful to this hardy bunch from Pennine for taking on this countryside challenge, along with the great British weather, to raise such a magnificent sum. Their tremendous efforts have provided a vital cash boost, every penny of which will go to supporting Bury Hospice’s work.”
Pennine has long supported the hospice whether through company sponsorship or the fundraising endeavours of its staff. In 2013 the business donated its time, expertise and secured discounts from suppliers to save the hospice £20,000 when installing a state-of-the-art internet telephony system.
In 2015 staff also raised over £1,200 when they took part in Salford’s Dragon Boat Festival whilst this year, as well as taking on Trekfest, the company sponsored the hospice’s inaugural Colour Run which attracted over 300 runners.