£6,700 raised in running challenge for hospice

20 January 2011

A group of fundraisers from GKN Aerospace Ltd took part in more than 500 individual runs last year, raising an incredible £6,700 for Keech Hospice Care.

The engineering services team at the Luton Airport based company set themselves the challenge of running 2010 miles throughout the year in an attempt to raise £2010. Having run through wind, rain, sleet, snow, scorching temperatures and numerous injuries, by the end of the year the team had beaten their distance target and run a collective total of 2269 miles. They had also reached their financial target, but with additional generous donations from GKN Luton’s Charity Committee, a cheque for over £6,700 was presented to the charity.

One of the team, Kevin Darcy, commented: “This all started as an innocent conversation about raising money for charity but it quickly grew into a mighty challenge. We’re a fairly small team and none of us were ‘seasoned runners’. For some, this was their first running experience so we’re really proud to have completed all those miles.”

The money raised will go towards Keech Hospice Care’s two hospice services, for adults with life-limiting illnesses in Luton and South Bedfordshire and for children living across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes. Over 75% of the money Keech needs to run the hospices comes from fundraising and voluntary donations so every pound and penny is crucial.

Kevin added: “We wouldn’t have put ourselves through such a challenge without good reason but we believe the work Keech Hospice Care does for local families is well worth the effort. It’s also been a great morale boost and done wonders for communication within our team. We won’t be stopping here but maybe our next fundraising idea won’t involve quite so much pounding for our tired feet!”

Jacqui Shepherd, Director of Fundraising at Keech, commented: “We’re very grateful to the running team at GKN for their tremendous effort, the sponsors and to the company itself for making such a generous contribution. The money this has raised for Keech Hospice Care means so much to the vital care we provide for all our patients and their families.”

To find out more about GKN visit www.gkntransparencysystems.com.