The team of 44 employees ran the 10Km race, which started in the city centre, to raise money for Zen's chosen charity, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
Dr Kershaw’s is an independent Hospice and was opened in 1989 following the conversion and development of a 1930’s Cottage Hospital originally built with a legacy from Dr John Kershaw, a local General Practitioner and Medical Officer of Health.
The Hospice provides specialist palliative care for adults with non-curable life-threatening illnesses in a peaceful and homely environment with accommodation for 12 inpatients and 15 day care places. In addition it provides support for patient’s relatives and carers.
This will be the 8th year that Zen employees have taken part in the run to raise money for its chosen charity. All of its runners have committed to raising at least £45 each for the charity.
"This is an important charity event for Zen and we aim to raise more by offering a chance for everyone to get involved, whether they are actually running or simply donating online. We have built up an excellent relationship with Dr Kershaw’s through in-house events such as our recent Easter raffle, with all proceeds going to this charity", said Andrew Saunders, Head of Product Management and Marketing.
For the year 2010/11, the Hospice needs £1,700,000 to continue to operate its specialist services and maintain the standard of care – this equates to around £4,650 per day. There is no charge made to patients for any of these services. Although it does receive a percentage of money from the Primary Care Trust, the Appeal Office has to raise in excess of £1,300,000 per year. This would not be possible without the dedicated support from fundraisers, families and businesses.
Zen raised over £4,500 for the Great Manchester Run in 2010 and its chosen charity Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home. Zen is hoping to match or exceed this amount in 2011 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.