Staff from housewares manufacturer What More (aka Team Wham) are in training to do the National Three Peaks Challenge in September. The team will raise funds for local hospice charity Derian House. Colleagues are taking part from various departments right across the organisation, from toolmaking, warehouse, picking and sales – including Operations Director Garry Ireland.
Last year staff from What More UK took on the tough Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Accrington Stanley Community Trust. Braving very bad weather, the team successfully completed the challenge in just 10 hours 36 minutes and raised £11,645.
The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, often within 24 hours. The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) – twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The climb will take place on September 10 aim, with the aim of beating last year’s target and raising £15,000 for Derian House in Chorley. The hospice provides respite and end-of-life care to more than 450 children and young people across the North West. It only receives 17% funding from the government, but services cost £5.7 million to run every year.
Ann-Marie Wilburn, community fundraiser at Derian House comments: “We help children and young people, whose lives are too short, to make happy memories in an environment of fun, respect and above all, outstanding care. We are always grateful for donations to help us carry on our work and wish Team Wham all the best in their challenge!”
Part of Team Wham, operations director Garry Ireland states: “We really enjoyed last year’s challenge, though it was really tough on the day. We’ve all carried on training together and set ourselves an even bigger target for this year. Derian House are a fantastic charity doing superb work, and we hope to smash our goal for them!”
Adds company director Tony Grimshaw: “Last year I was so pleased to see the team beat their target, and it did wonders for company morale. It’s great to see all the team working together for a great challenge, and I look forward to cheering them on once again, I’m sure they’ll exceed last year’s efforts, and I hope the weather is kinder to them!”
To support Team Wham go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/what-more-uk-derian-house
Top: Team Wham pictured during last year’s Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
