Colleagues at Purchase Direct came together recently to host a successful Charity Day in support of Diabetes UK, raising an impressive £3,331.
The charity was chosen as it’s close to the heart of Joanne Hopkinson, Project Manager – Energy Services at Purchase Direct, who has seen first-hand the impact diabetes can have. Supporting Diabetes UK was a meaningful way for her and the team at Purchase Direct to give back and raise awareness of the condition.
In the lead-up to the event, colleagues participated in a four-week step challenge, achieving a combined total of 15,203,663 steps. This equates to approximately 7,500 miles – around 300 marathons and almost a third of the way around the planet! The Charity Day itself featured a wide range of activities themed around health and fitness, including a quiz, sports day, disco, pool tournament, bake sale and raffle. It was a great opportunity for the team to get involved, have fun and contribute to the fundraising effort.
Adding to the achievement, Joanne also completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon – an inspiring personal milestone that further contributed to the fundraising efforts.
Founded in 1934, Diabetes UK is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by diabetes, working to improve lives through support, research and advocacy. Peter Shorrick, Head of the Midlands and East region for Diabetes UK, said:
“We’re very grateful to Purchase Direct colleagues for choosing to support Diabetes UK. In Hertfordshire and West Essex alone there are more than 90,000 people living with diabetes and fundraising support like this is invaluable in helping those living with, and at risk of, the condition.
“As the UK’s leading diabetes charity, we’re committed to tackling the diabetes crisis. All our work is made possible thanks to our supporters who offer their time and generous donations to help us reach a world where diabetes can do no harm.”