Employees from Zest 4 Leisure, a leading trade supplier of quality timber garden products, are taking on the Chester Marathon today (Sunday) in aid of a cancer charity.
It's part of their fundraising challenge for their chosen charity for 2017, Cancer Research UK.
The company has supplied weekly training sessions in its warehouse in Mold in the lead up to the marathon, with all staff committing to working as a team to support each other.
Zest, along with its parent company, the P&A Group, has already raised over £14,000 for Cancer Research since it began fundraising in February and is hoping its continued efforts will help in achieving the target of £20,000.
As well as marathons, fundraising events this year have included triathlons, cycling events, a 10,000 step challenge and a charity golf day.
Steve Morgan, managing director at Zest 4 Leisure, said: “I am very proud of all of our staff members who have committed to completing the marathon, it will be a truly life changing challenge for each and every runner.
“We have all been training so hard and it is fantastic to see everyone’s spirit and enthusiasm in the lead up to the event – it really highlights our sense of teamwork and family values.”
One of the highlight events completed this year for Cancer Research was the Manchester Marathon, where 25 Zest employees all crossed the finish line, raising over £12,000 for the charity.
Steve, along with manager John Vaughan are also in the process of completing a 1,000 mile challenge for the charity, with their latest event being the gruelling 140 mile Ironman Wales in September, which they both completed.
Louise Aubrey, Cancer Research UK’s Senior Local Fundraising Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted that Steve and the team have decided to attempt such a great challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“They have done lots of preparation and we’re sure they’re going to have an amazing experience. We can’t thank them enough for all of their support and want to wish them all the very best for this Sunday.”
As a growing company Zest 4 Leisure is committed to employee fitness and long-term well-being as well as supporting the community and raising money for charity.
The company has been supporting the marathon runners with a fitness plan and in addition will cover the entry fees, the transport, the nutritional advice, the T-shirts and running kit.
Steve added: “There are so many people in our society that are living with or are effected in some way by this disease and everyone within our company feels privileged to be able to help this charity in the fight against cancer.
“I hope our efforts will encourage others to get involved by donating or raising funds for Cancer Research UK, enabling it to continue investing in its vital research, treatment and support that effects so many.”
Continuing to take part in events is very important for the company following the success of previous years when as a group they raised over £15,000.00 for The Alzheimer’s Society and over £6,000 last year for Meningitis Now, in memory of one of their own.
“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research,” Louise added.
