Big-hearted colleagues at a south coast property finance specialist organised an ambitious 24-hour treadmill climb to raise nearly £4,500 for a children’s hospice.
A team of 21 walkers from MSP Capital each completed sections of a continuous hike at a 15% incline on a machine in the staff room of their Poole office.
The original aim was to reach a height of 17,460m, equivalent to Mount Everest and K2 – the world’s highest and second highest mountains – but in the end the climb surpassed that and reached more than 21,100m.
Rebecca Lewis, Marketing Co-ordinator, said: “We were a little worried beforehand that the challenge was going to be unachievable but we managed to do the combined heights of Everest and K2 in 19 hours and 36 minutes so we decided to add the equivalent of the UK’s Three Peaks Challenge too, a further ascent of around 3,500m.
“We just kept going – imagining Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – until the 24 hours were up.
“As one of the organisers, I got to witness the team coming together to support one another. It was a struggle fighting the tiredness and exhaustion through the night. That tested everyone’s commitment but team spirit, energy drinks, snacks and music helped us all make it through.”
The hike was the latest in a series of MSP Capital initiatives in aid of Julia’s House, a Dorset-based hospice charity that provides practical and emotional support for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.
Care is completely bespoke to each family, giving parents facing unimaginable heartbreak a much-deserved break and helping siblings build resilience and confidence.
Rebecca added: “The buzz when we reached the 24 hours was the best feeling, knowing each one of us had contributed to helping the families cared for by Julia’s House.”
MSP Capital also held a recent business networking event with AFC Bournemouth, for whom the company is shirt sponsor, raising £1,300 for Julia’s House. Altogether, MSP Capital has raised £8,100 for the charity this year.
Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “On behalf of everyone at Julia’s House, and especially the families we support, I would like to say a massive thank you to MSP Capital. The money they have raised this year, including from their gruelling 24-hour virtual mountain climbing challenge, will enable us to keep providing vital care to the families of seriously ill children across Dorset and Wiltshire. What a wonderful Christmas gift.”
Becky Harris, Finance Director at MSP Capital, said: “The team have done a fantastic job in organising the charity challenge. It has been great to see the teamwork, dedication, and energy amongst the team – especially coming into the office at midnight to raise money for such a great charity. Well done all.”