Supermarket staff in check for their Mother’s Day walk
Leamington’s Fresh Choice Supermarket checkout operators plan to walk off the job on Sunday, May 13.
Instead of working they will be walking, for the Heart Foundation during the Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run and Walk event at the Cambridge Raceway.
Fresh Choice checkout supervisor Bev Weal was overwhelmed by the response when it was suggested staff could enter as a team.
‘‘So many of the girls wanted to participate, but we faced the dilemma, a large team and no checkout operators,’’ Weal said
‘‘Unfortunately, we have to leave some behind to keep the store operating.’’
The 16-member team had used every opportunity to train and had been literally ‘‘walking the extra mile for the customers’’.
‘‘Weight training was used during shelf filling and no one is pointing to where customers can get a product, instead the girls are taking and showing them where it is,’’ said Weal.
‘‘Our team consists of operators of all ages. We have some who are grandmothers who are walking with their daughters and vice versa.
‘‘Two members of the team are new mums who are currently on maternity leave.’’
Fresh Choice supermarket manager Helen McHugh is leading her team from the front by participating.
Supermarket owners Richard and Jane Jacobsen have supported the team by paying towards its entry fee.
Joining the Fresh Choice team will be the Cambridge Fat Bottomed Girls, taking advantage of the chance to get some walking in as they start their 2018 Urban Challenge.
Olympic and Commonwealth Games heptathlete Sarah Cowley is looking forward to starting in the new event ,which organisers hoped would become a Mother’s Day tradition.
Cowley, who competed at the Glasgow 2014 and Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and London 2012 Olympic Games, will be joined by Olympic rower Gen Behrent helping with a warm-up session for the participants and the 5km event.
Now in its seventh year, the Jennian Homes annual event supports the Heart Foundation’s, Heart Foundation for Women, campaign.
This year marks the Heart Foundation’s 50th anniversary.
The Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk starts at 10am, Sunday, May 13 from the Cambridge Raceway.