Twenty-two co-workers from stone supplier Stamford Stone Co Ltd are set to prove that teamwork can make mountains move.
Together, they will climb the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, later this month to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.
At the time of writing, they had raised nearly £4,200 for Sue Ryder – more than three quarters of their fundraising target of £5,000.
The challenge will see the team travel from their site at Swaddywell Quarry, Helpston, by coach to Fort William in Scotland, a journey that will take them eight-and-a-half hours.
The following day (Saturday 11th September), the determined workmates will set off on a gruelling eleven-mile hike, including a challenging 1,344 metre ascent to the summit of the Scottish mountain.
To prepare, many of the staff – who range in age and experience – have been training hard, including going on practice hikes in the Peak District and Wales.
This isn’t the first time the kind-hearted company has supported Sue Ryder. Over the past four years, they also fundraised by taking part in events such as the 2019 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival and Ride London in 2018.
Laura Green, Director at Stamford Stone, explained why they were inspired to tackle the charity climb: “Most of our staff live locally to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and it is a cause that is significant to many of us. Many of our team know someone who has received end of life care there or a family who has been supported by Sue Ryder. My husband’s father was cared for at the hospice a few years ago – and my husband will be walking with me, on the day.
“It is a great local charity to support. We want to raise funds to support their work, especially now because numerous events over the past year or so have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic and lockdowns. We know the hole that the pandemic has left in fundraising – if there is anything we can do to help fill that hole a little bit, then that is the climb.”
She added: “Climbing Ben Nevis is a real team effort – thank you to the whole team for being so motivated and rallying together. There are going to be 22 of us making the ascent, which is almost half of our workforce. I’m really proud of how everyone has taken the challenge to heart and want to do their best for Sue Ryder.
“It is going to be a pretty gruelling journey there and back. To reach the summit of the UK’s highest mountain and be up there together as one team will be a really great achievement. The view should be phenomenal too – although we haven’t had the best luck with the weather when we have fundraised for Sue Ryder before – including torrential rain! Fingers crossed for better luck this time around.”
Joely Garner, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice said: “A huge thank you to the team at Stamford Stone for your ongoing support. We are so impressed by your team effort – 22 climbers turning out in force must be a record! Good luck from all of us to everyone taking part. The vital funds you are raising will make a real difference. It will help our Sue Ryder Nurses and staff to continue providing their compassionate and expert care to local families, and fill someone’s last days with love.”
You can support the Stamford Stone team through JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/team/stamfordstone.
Find out more about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice at www.sueryder.org/thorpe.
