Colleagues tackle three peaks in charity effort

The team of more than 40 National Grid employees from the Warwick headquarters took on the walking challenge - reaching the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in just 12 hours on August 22.

Equivalent to scaling Ben Nevis twice, the 24-mile trek was all about raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support - National Grid’s charity partner for the year and for which the company will match all funds raised.

The company aims to raise £500,000 for Macmillan with £390,000 already secured.

Head of Cable Tunnels David Luetchford who led the team on the day said: “I’m proud that so many of our employees took on this challenge.

“All the money raised from this event will fund heating grants for people living with cancer. Events like this one will undoubtedly help us to hit our target.”

Warwick worker, Tom Ireland upped the challenge by carrying six bricks along the route – one for each donation made over £100.

After carrying the extra 20kg along the route, he has helped add £1,125 to the kitty - all of which will be match funded by National Grid.

Also joining in the day from Warwick was manager Jo Harris who said the challenge marked the end of a life-changing year of weight loss.

She said: “A year ago I wouldn’t have attempted anything like this, but I was determined to finish.

“Macmillan is a fantastic charity and the cause is very close to my heart as my dad lost his battle with cancer when I was young. “

Also among the walkers was the media manager Stephanie Van Rosse who was forced to make emergency repairs after her walking boots began to fall apart one third in to the challenge.

The trek is part of ongoing fundraising efforts to reach £500,000 fundraising target by the end of the partnership year in December.

This money will be used to pay the energy bills of thousands of patients and families living with cancer.

Visit www.justgiving.com/Tom-Ireland3 to donate.