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Midshire announces Hadrian’s Wall Charity Walk Challenge
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In just under a month’s time, thirteen members of staff from the Midshire Group are set to trek coast-to-coast on the National Trail’s path the full length of Hadrian’s Wall. The challenge is set to be the company’s annual charity fundraiser and will see the group take on 85 miles of mixed terrain, walking from one end of Hadrian’s Wall to the other, in a bid to raise bundles of cash for a UK children’s charity.
Idea of company Director Phil Powell who was all set to take on the challenge personally, but decided to open the offer out to staff across the group.
The challenge will start on the 13th June in Wallsend and last for a total of 6 days, finishing in Bowness-on-Solway on the 18th June.
Last year Midshire raised over £45k for Francis House Children’s Hospice and broke a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon football match (lasting over 72hrs) in the process.
Hoping to once again raise significant sums; this year Midshire’s efforts will go to the Red Boots children’s charity, part of The National Institute for Conductive Education. The Institute works to improve the lives of both children and adults with neurological motor disorders, through the training and practice of Conductive Education.
The charity was able to assist Midshire employee Richard Jauncey (54) and his son Sebastian (16) who at the time was just 3 years of age.
Deprived of oxygen at birth, Sebastian was born prematurely weighing just 3lbs and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, balance and coordination. Sebastian who is still receiving regular treatment and will continue to do so into adulthood, was helped to walk and supported by Red Boots over twelve years ago.
When considering possible charities for this year’s charity event, Richard was keen to highlight the work that the Institute does, ‘I first came across the Conductive Education Institute by chance, whilst on holiday in the Forest of Dean. After initial discussions with their staff and once a referral had been approved, Sebastian was fitted with special orthotic boots, which allowed him to take his first steps at 3 years old.’
Richard commented ‘The results, and what they have been able to achieve are unbelievable. They helped my son to walk and I cannot be more grateful to them for giving Sebastian his independence.’
Delighted to be selected as Midshire’s charity of choice, The National Institute for Conductive Education is heavily dependent upon voluntary donations. Louise Watkins from the Institute said: ‘In order to deliver our life changing services to children and families such as Sebastian and Richard, the charity needs to raise over £600,000 annually. This challenge will not only help raise much needed funds but will enable us to reach out to more children who could benefit from our specialised services for children with cerebral palsy. We really could not do this without the support and dedication of companies such as Midshire and we wish them the very best of luck in this touch challenge!’
Marketing Manager Adrienne Topping said ‘Sebastian’s story is just one of many families and children helped by Red Boots and the Institute. Considering the nature of our event we felt there was no more fitting story to tell than for us to be walking for a charity that helps so many children to take their first steps. If we can raise awareness of their amazing work and at the same time raise funds to help them continue, then we will consider this event a huge success. I urge people to donate and get behind us. For a novice walker such as myself I know this really will be a challenge!!’
Chief hiker and company Director Phil Powell said ‘It’s an important part of our company ethos to get involved in our local communities. We provide sponsorship to many young sporting clubs and fundraise for charities throughout the year. It gives me great pleasure to allow the staff taking part an extra 3 days annual leave to get involved, get outdoors and do something positive for a very worthy cause.’
Click here to out more about The National Institute for Conductive Education
Click here to find out more about Red Boots Children’s Charity
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