We’re already on our way to Lapland!
Go Team PK! Since the start of August, a dedicated group of 18 members of staff at Page Kirk have been walking, running, riding and cycling the equivalent of the distance between our Nottingham offices and Lapland: 2,149 miles!
Why? To raise money for the charity When You Wish Upon A Star, that helps grant the once-in-a-lifetime wishes of children with terminal illnesses, such as a trip to visit Santa in his North Pole hideout.
The miles are being collectively accumulated as a group, through various runs, walks and cycle rides. And the great news is that we're already making great progress.
We wanted a charity challenge that was fun, but that could also be completed safely in the days of coronavirus. The last 16 days have been tough for the team but it's great to know we have collectively completed 1,117 miles with 1,032 miles to go. As a result, we are also about half way from our fundraising target, so we still need donations to support this fantastic cause. Both the team and the charity have been blown away by the amount of generosity of everyone that has donated.
Founded locally in 1990, When You Wish Upon A Star were supposed to be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, but a lot of the events and activities to celebrate this milestone have been put on hold due to the worldwide pandemic.
The charity's aim is always to take a group of kids to Lapland at Christmas time, but if COVID-19 makes that impossible this year, then they will make sure that Lapland comes to the children in one way or another.
Any donations or support will be greatly appreciated and will hopefully offer the chance for children with a life-threatening illness to create a fantastic memory, shared by their family.
Click here to visit our fundraising page. Any donations would be hugely appreciated.
Halfway through the challenge, here's what some of the team had to say about how they are getting on:
“I am finding the challenge I have set myself very tough, but very rewarding. We are giving up a lot of time, which hopefully will, in some small way, help families who do not have the luxury of time.”
Wendy O'Connor
Tax Partner
“It has definitely been a challenge. but everyone working together to keep adding miles helps you to keep going!”
Martin Cull
Trainee Accountant
“It has been more difficult than I thought it was going to be, but the team have been really motivating each other, which is all getting us through. Bring on 31st August!”
Rebekah Gough
Marketing & Business Development Manager
“Getting back into running was painful for the first few days, but I'm so glad I did it, as I can already feel myself improving. Hopefully, the monies raised will go onto create many more life-changing experiences.”
Liam Hollis
Marketing Assistant
“I'm finding it quite tough to keep up the miles and to fit it in with childcare. And this hot muggy weather isn't helping when I do get chance to go out! But I am determined to keep chipping away at that total when I think about the work that the charity do for the children and their families, it really puts things in perspective and makes me want to do more.”
Jessica Madams
Accounting Technician
“I'm doing it to support everyone else and I must say seeing their huge efforts is so motivating and so too is the determination by the entire team to achieve the target!”
Neil Moon
Director of Tax
“Finding my runs harder than I thought with the heat at the minute, pulled muscle in my leg was a worry, but not giving in, just keep going for the kids.”
Samantha O'Hara
Credit Controller
“I love the challenge, as it's making me feel fitter and getting me outdoors. It feels good running when you know it's making a big difference for others as well.”
Lucy Parker
Secretary/PA
“How am I finding the challenge? Quite hard! Walking on very painful feet that are blistered and cracked! But I am not giving up. Having the team, my family and friends, as well as people who have kindly donated and sponsored us – that's the motivation to keep going and we will keep going. Lapland here we come!”
Amanda Willis
Head Receptionist