Staff step it up
A CHESHIRE company, rated among the best in the country, is putting lots of feet forward to enter one of the country’s top rated running challenges.
Chess ICT is to be the main sponsors of the Great Manchester Run for the East Cheshire Hospice team which should attract around 120 runners.
The ICT and telecoms firm, which came second in the 2016 and 2017 Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list, is no stranger to fundraising for the hospice, having raised more than £65,000 since becoming a founding corporate alliance partner four years ago. Employees of the company, based in Alderley Edge, have done everything from sky- diving and dancing to cake-baking and bagpacking in their efforts to raise money on an ongoing basis for the charity – 80 employees even made a single, Chess Aid, in 2013 in memory of their operations director, Julie Wright, who spent her last days at the hospice in February 2013.
“We are delighted to have the chance of sponsoring this major event – it’s all about our commitment to play our part in the wider community,” says Kate Wood, Chess’ head of knowledge, culture and office.
The company plans to put more than £10K towards the event and will also be fielding its own running team.
“We’ve got our running club going which will be meeting up every week in the lead up to the big event,” said Kate.
“And every runner is eager to raise as much money as they can knowing that the company will match pound for pound every £100 raised.”
This year’s Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, which takes place on Saturday, May 28, features a half marathon for the first time along with the better-known 10K run and prices start from £35 per person to take part.
“It’s fantastic to have such a great company as Chess with us this year,” said events manager, Jessica Ruth.
“They’ve been passionate supporters of our work for some time now and this support should ensure that every runner on our team has a great day.”
Tickets are available on the hospice websiteeast cheshirehospice.org.uk/ gmr2017 or email events @echospice.org.uk.