2007 proved to be a fantastic year for fundraising at CWB, and one of which we are all really proud.

A big thank you goes to our clients, friends and colleagues who have enthusiastically and generously supported us.

Approx £20,000.00 was raised, for various worthy charities and below are just some of our highlights we would like to share with you.

April 2007

In April, Managing Director, Graham Clarkson ran the London Marathon. Graham had wanted to run the marathon for years, not only as a personal challenge but to be able to raise money for a good cause. This year after many attempts at entering for the event, he was lucky enough to be chosen to run for ‘Rainbows’, a local charity which provides care for life limited children.

Graham will be the first to admit that not being built for long distance running this was a tough test, which involved running in excess of 30 miles a week just for training, which involved a minimum of a half marathon every week for 4 months.

Graham received fantastic support from clients, friends and colleagues to raise almost £10,000.00 for Rainbows, and completed the course (albeit with a torn calf muscle sustained 2 weeks prior to the event) in 5hrs 44mins.

http://rainbows.eazytiger.net/index.asp

July 2007

In July, our Sales Manager, Colin Henshaw set out to swim The Channel with four friends. At 3.30am on Sunday the 8thJuly 2007, Colin left Shakespeare’s Cliff in Dover to raise money for the National Children’s Charity.

The event was planned over a two year period, which involved swimming outdoors every morning at 5.30am throughout April and October, swimming mile upon mile in temperatures anywhere between 13 to 18 degrees Celsius. During the winter months his training continued every morning at Colin’s local leisure centre.

Colin said “Its more of a mental challenge than that of a physical challenge, when I set off it was pitch black with sunrise not until around 5.30am. I was all alone in the water and the conditions weren’t ideal, at the beginning of the swim I couldn’t get my breathing right because I couldn’t stop swallowing the salt water as the water was very choppy.

The event was completed in 13 hours and 28 minutes and so far the team has collectively raised approximately £10,000 for the charity, which will help children and their families affected by disability and abuse.

http://www.nch.org.uk/

August 2007

In August, it was the turn of our clerical staff. After many delays due to the heavy rain of Summer 2007, Caroline, Sarah and Kate took part in ‘Race for Life’ on behalf of Cancer Research.

This event is held annually and is so popular two races in one day are now held, all over the country involving almost 700,000 women.

Having not ran before, the girls ensured they trained properly by meeting two evenings a week straight from work. Although the delays were frustrating, it did give them extra time to prepare.

On the day they were extremely lucky, the sun shone over Western Park in Leicester, and everyone was in good spirits. Caroline completed the run in 30 minutes, Sarah in 33 minutes and Kate in 36 minutes. All together they raised £400.00.

http://www.raceforlife.org/

September 2007

September, and our final event of 2007. Marie Dewey, Administration Manager took part in a local half marathon, ‘The Great Kibworth Run’.

This event is held every 2 years in the surrounding villages just north of Market Harborough, and this year was raising money for The Hope Foundation, Headway, Age Concern, and a selection of local charities.

Having always been a keen runner, Marie had set herself a goal which coincided with the Kibworth Run. Training took place over the summer and early autumn, which being a fair weather runner really suited Marie! Also, with Graham having completed the run previously in 1hr 58 mins, Marie’s competitive nature came into play and determined to achieve the distance in a quicker time in fact finished the 13 miles in 1hr 53 mins! Success! Next challenge to beat Paula Radcliffe!

Marie felt a real sense of achievement on finishing the race, which is known to be arduous. Anyone who knows the area will know there are some really big hills to endure, which would challenge any athlete. Marie raised £612.00.

http://www.kibworth.demon.co.uk/gkr/about.htm