19 Dec 2016 Community

ASDA ‘Make a Difference’ with Cycle Challenge for Kirkwood Hospice

Employees at an ASDA store in Dewsbury raised an incredible £1,262 by taking on a virtual Cycle Challenge in memory of a much loved former colleague.

Back in the summer, a Team at ASDA took on an indoor Spin Challenge over two days - cycling eight hours on exercise bikes each day to raise funds for Kirkwood Hospice in memory of Ruth Scholefield, a former colleague who sadly died of cancer earlier this year.

The team’s efforts raised an impressive £762, a figure which was topped up by a generous £500 donation from ASDA themselves, creating a grand total of £1,262.

The Spin Cycle Challenge taking place in ASDA

 

The Dewsbury ASDA Superstore also held a Cake Sale and a ‘Dress in Purple Day’ in memory of Ruth, both of which are set to become annual events.

ASDA’s Community Champion, Sharon Kingswood, said: “Ruth was supported by the Hospice’s Community Palliative Care Team throughout her illness so that’s why we decided to fundraise for Kirkwood. Ruth’s Husband was also keen for the donation to go to the Hospice.

“Cadbury’s purple was Ruth’s favourite colour, so our Cake Stall and Dress in Purple Day were our tribute to her. We’re hoping to hold these events annually around the anniversary of her death to support her family, so that they can look back in memory of her.”

Store Manager, Michael Sutton, and Community Champion, Sharon Kingswood, presenting Kirkwood Hospice's Dawn Walker with the cheque for £1,262

 

Teaming up with Pulse1 and Pulse2 Radio for the year-long fundraising Campaign ‘Make a Difference 2016’, Kirkwood have encouraged local people to get involved and help raise vital funds for the Hospice throughout the year.

As part of the Campaign, one fundraising initiative taking place collectively throughout Kirklees is a challenge to cycle ‘virtually’ all the way to Australia for Kirkwood Hospice. Thanks to ASDA, we are well on our way.

Kirkwood Hospice’s Lottery Manager, Dawn Walker, is thrilled at the contribution from ASDA and proud to have supported the event.

"It is thanks to events like this that the Make a Difference Campaign is so successful and can have such a positive impact on the Hospice." Dawn Walker

Dawn said: “We are delighted to have been a part of ASDA’s event and are extremely proud of the amount they have raised for Kirkwood.

It was a pleasure to work with the team and it is thanks to events like this that the Make a Difference Campaign is so successful and can have such a positive impact on the Hospice.”

If you are inspired to ‘Make a Difference’ for Kirkwood Hospice, click here to find out more.