How far is it to Lapland? We’re about to find out!
This August, a dedicated team from Page Kirk will be cycling, running and horse-riding precisely 2,149 miles for charity.
If the distance sounds a little random, that's because we've found out exactly how far away Santa lives and we're raising much-needed funds for When You Wish Upon a Star. The organisation takes children living with life-threatening illness to see Father Christmas in Lapland each year and we're determined to help out.
It's a tough time for charities at the moment because of COVID-19. Fundraising and scheduled events have been cancelled due to the pandemic, so supporters are having to find ingenious, creative and safe ways to help out.
The challenge is set to begin on Saturday 1st August and we have until Monday 31st August to complete our mission and meet our £1,000 target! 18 of us have signed up from across different departments here at Page Kirk and we'll all be taking part during evenings and weekends.
This is a fantastic cause that we're delighted to support. Founded in 1990 by Barbara White right here in Nottingham, it aims to grant the wishes of children living with life-threatening illnesses. This could involve anything from swimming with dolphins or a Harry Potter experience, all the way to meeting their favourite Disney characters in Florida. Amazingly, the charity has already granted an astonishing 18,000 wishes, creating memorable and lasting moments for many families.
In this special 30th anniversary year, When You Wish Upon a Star has been unable to host its planned trips or birthday celebration but has been adapting to conducting virtual events instead. More information will be available very soon.
Thoughts from Page Kirk and When You Wish Upon a Star
Page Kirk Partner Wendy O'Connor says:
“Despite being in such distant times, everyone was still determined to do a safe fundraiser. I am proud of the team and trust that their enthusiasm will lead to excellent results for such a worthwhile cause. And even though we won't be able to physically cheer each other on, we will be sharing tips and motivating each other virtually to really work as a team. We hope that we'll not only raise money which will aid the charity, but also raise awareness.”
Nicola Brien, of When You Wish Upon a Star, adds:
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all the fantastic staff at Page Kirk. You've been so creative finding new fun ways to fundraise virtually. We hope you all enjoy taking part in your collective 2149 miles for Wishes. Thank you also to all those sponsoring and supporting your incredible efforts – the money raised will go towards adding magic to the lives of children living with life threatening illnesses.”
You will be able to track our progress on our social media pages, which we'll be using to raise awareness and keep everyone updated on our progress.
Our cash will contribute towards the £90,000 it costs to take 80 children to Lapland to meet Father Christmas. It is uncertain if the charity will be able to make the trip this year due to the worldwide pandemic, but we have been reassured that if the children can't get to Lapland, then Lapland will be coming to them!
If you would like to support Page Kirk and help us raise money for this amazing charity, you can do so by visiting our fundraising page.
Any contribution makes a huge difference and any donations will be hugely appreciated.
Meet the Page Kirk athletes that are willing to take on the challenge:
Steve Connington
Tax Consultant
Superpower: Tax planning advice involving complex issues and dealing with HMRC enquiries into any aspect of your tax affairs.
“I wanted to get involved to support my colleagues in this huge challenge.”
Preferred method:
Tracey Cousins
Payroll Administrator
Superpower: Making sure your employees get paid on time and giving you peace of mind knowing your company is complying with the complex payroll regulations.
“I am hoping to get motivated to do more exercise and ride more.”
Preferred method:
Nigel Woodward
Tax Senior
Superpower: Personal taxation for high net worth individuals and businesses.
“I'm a keen runner, cyclist and swimmer, so I wanted to help the team achieve their target whilst raising some cash for charity.”
Preferred method:
Sonja Dengler
Trainee Accountant
Superpower: Passionate about growth, increasing profit and improving cash flow for your business.
“I would like to get out and about more on my wonderful bike while helping a good cause.”
Preferred method:
Neil Moon
Director of Tax
Superpower: Business structures, property taxes, remuneration planning, HMRC enquiries.
“I wanted to get involved as it brings the team together and all for a good cause.”
Preferred method:
Martin Cull
Trainee Accountant
Superpower: Warning you of your financial risks and presenting realistic business opportunities.
“I got involved as I enjoy a challenge and being able to raise money at the same time is a bonus!”
Preferred method:
Rebekah Gough
Marketing & Business Development Manager
Superpower: Helping you find the perfect advisor for you and your business.
“I wanted to get involved to help children living with a life-threatening illness do something that would not involve doctors, hospitals, or appointments and create long-lasting memories not just for the children but their families as well. I'm far from the fittest member of the team but I'm going to try and push myself to help hit our target.”
Preferred method:
Steph Gubas
Trainee Accountant
Superpower: Helping growing businesses create slick, streamlined financial functions.
“I've been really trying to challenge myself throughout lockdown with my fitness. I feel this particular challenge will help me push myself to the next level. I also wanted to help raise money and awareness for When You Wish Upon a Star, as the work they do is fantastic, granting wishes of children living with a life-threatening illness.”
Preferred method:
Joshua Ruthven
Accounts & Tax Trainee
Superpower: Helping you pay no more tax than you need to.
“My motivation is to improve my fitness and get in better shape by running regularly and also improve my 5km time. I thought it would be good to join the challenge, because I can do this and help a great cause at the same time.”
Preferred method:
Jack Moore
Cloud Accounting Manager
Superpower: Being a trusted business advisor – somebody who you can phone to really discuss and drill down into your business in a practical manner.
“I've never really enjoyed running at all, but since the Covid lockdown, it became a necessity to allow me to spend some time out of the house and to keep myself fit and active! If I can continue this whilst supporting such a deserving charity at the same time, then even better. When You Wish Upon a Star works hard to gift the opportunities of a lifetime to children who cruelly won't experience quite as much of a lifetime as the rest of us. So being able to do something to contribute towards supporting their cause is reward in itself.”
Preferred method:
Samantha O'Hara
Credit Controller
Superpower: Helping you avoid unexpected bills by managing deadlines and paying invoices in time.
“Having two daughters myself, I believe all children should have a healthy and happy childhood. It could be any of our kids that get sick. Doing a simple thing like a few runs just helps motivate you to do something that could mean the world to a young person, just give them that one wish and know that dreams can come true. I personally know a family who have used When You Wish Upon a Star and just want people to know how fantastic they are. Hopefully, between us, we can make dreams come true. Good luck Page Kirk team!”
Preferred method:
Bryn Luffman
Tax Trainee
Superpower: Ensuring that your business is operating in the most tax-efficient way possible.
“This is a great fundraiser for me to get involved with. I am grateful to get the chance to help children with life threatening illnesses have their wishes granted. It really is the least we could do. I am hopeful to raise a lot of money for these children and, in an added bonus, get fitter along the way! I don't run much so this will really be a challenge for me which I am excited about.”
Preferred method:
Liam Hollis
Marketing Assistant
Superpower: Keeping you up-to-date with new legislation and economic changes via social media.
“I started at Page Kirk the day before we went into lockdown so I thought it would be a great way to get to know the team members I don't directly work with. Also, hopefully it will improve my fitness and raise awareness and money for a fantastic charity.”
Preferred method:
Tom Johnson
Accounts & Tax Trainee
Superpower: Passionate about growth, increasing profit and improving cash flow for your business.
“My motivation is raising money for a great charity and a worthwhile cause, whilst also giving me a reason to make sure I get outdoors for daily exercise.”
Preferred method:
Jessica Madams
Accounting Technician
Superpower: Helping you to manage deadlines and file your information correctly and on time.
“I want to get involved as, despite being unfit, I really want to contribute what I can to such an amazing charity! And you never know, my health might benefit too if I get myself moving more.”
Preferred method:
Wendy O'Connor
Tax Partner
Superpower: Devising complex tax strategies to help you and your business.
“I'm a keen runner, so thought it was only right I try and help the team achieve the target of 2149 miles. The charity does great work putting smiles on children's faces, giving them and their families something to look forward to, through times of uncertainty, financial and emotional strain.”
Preferred method:
Lucy Parker
Secretary/PA
Superpower: Passionate about the things that make for a truly amazing client experience.
“I love fitness of all kinds and enjoy doing kind and good things to help people. Doing this fun activity for When You Wish Upon a Star means I am able to do both at the same time. It will do good for others and makes me feel good too!”
Preferred method:
Amanda Willis
Head Receptionist
Superpower:
Going above and beyond to ensure you get that amazing client experience.
“I wanted to help clock up some miles for a great cause. Getting those children and their families to Lapland has always being When You Wish Upon a Star's mission, so as a group, if we have help achieve that then that's all good. Best of luck to us all!”
Preferred method: