3 Nov 2016 Community

Pacific Lifestyle team raise £9,536 for Kirkwood

You might have heard of the popular Couch to 5k challenge. For 22 members of the Pacific Lifestyle team, based at Stafford Mills in Milnsbridge, it was more like Couch to 39k as they stepped out of their comfort zones to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

If that wasn’t enough of a challenge, the walkers went the extra mile by raising an incredible £9,536 for Kirkwood.

The Three Peaks adventure came about after a chance conversation between Stock Control Manager Simon England and his colleague Nigel, who were discussing their personal ambitions.

Having taken part in successful fundraising events for good causes in the past, they came up with the idea to test themselves and other members of their team by taking on the daunting famous challenge for Kirkwood.

“It’s a cause that is close to a lot of people’s hearts.” said Simon on their decision to raise money for the Hospice.

The walkers trained rigorously in the run-up to the event, tackling a series of long walks in preparation.

Members of the Pacific Lifestyle team take time out for a quick selfie on one of their many training walks.

 

Many admitted afterwards that they hadn’t realised quite how difficult it would be to conquer Yorkshire’s highest summits.

Despite each peak providing its own challenge along the way, the whole team completed the walk – most with a sense of relief as they descended Ingleborough and reached the village of Horton.

And whilst many enjoyed the experience of taking on such a unique and often gruelling trek, there were definitely those who fell into the ‘never again’ camp!

Simon and his fellow walkers were delighted by the final amount raised and with the support received from Pacific Lifestyle and the general public.

“We have been blown away by the overwhelming support we received not only from family, friends and colleagues but Pacific’s customers and suppliers too!

“We initially set a target of £5,000 as we had quite a few people taking part, but at the final count we’ve managed to raise £9,536.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us and made it all possible.”

Kirkwood Hospice Fundraiser Nicola Barber (front left) is presented with a cheque for £9,536.88 by Simon England of Pacific Lifestyle (front right). They were joined by fellow walkers for the photo.

 

Kirkwood Hospice fundraiser, Nicola Barber, was delighted pick up the cheque when she visited Pacific Lifestyle offices. She said: “I would just like to say a huge thank you to Simon and the team at Pacific Lifestyle for their wonderful support.

“It has been lovely working with them and I know they trained really hard for this challenge. 

“Their support means that we can continue providing specialist care to our patients and their families in Kirklees, and ensure those in our care have the opportunity to live the best quality of life possible.”