News – 27 July 2021
A group of Grand Union colleagues are currently in training to complete a gruelling mountain challenge.
The brave team are uniting with colleagues at Longhurst Group as they aim to raise £40,000 for the charities MIND and Harry’s Pals, by summiting a whopping 24 peaks!
The fundraisers will complete the challenge over two days, on 11-12 September 2021, tackling famous Lake District peaks such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn. They will trek 29.5 miles with 11,640ft of ascent – equivalent to a third of the height of Mount Everest.
Determined to succeed, the Longhurst and Grand Union colleagues have undertaken a number of training hikes – in areas including the Dunstable Downs, Ivinghoe Ridgeway and the Peak District.
Aileen Evans, Group Chief Executive at Grand Union Housing Group, said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far as an organisation through our fundraising; the 24 peaks page has raised more than £26,000.
“I’ve been very open about my family’s experience with poor mental health and I’m passionate about working with MIND to create an open culture about mental health in the workplace.”
Alongside its commitments to MIND, Grand Union recently signed up to Harry’s Pledge – a campaign launched by Harry’s Pals, calling for social housing providers to do more to support carers.
Harry’s Pals was set up by Hayley Charlesworth, daughter of Longhurst Group Chief Executive Julie Doyle, to support the mental health of parents of critically ill young children. Hayley’s son Harry was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and many other complex needs which means that he needs round the clock care.
Julie added: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Grand Union Housing Group, an organisation that shares our values, to raise money for these two fantastic causes. We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve, which really speaks to the aims of both these charities.”
Sponsor the team here:
www.gofundme.com/f/guhg-longhurst
