Fundraising with the F&W Truck Trek

Our May fundraising campaign returned, and this year we invited all F&W team members to dig out their walking boots, don their running shoes, grab their swimming goggles, or throw on their cycling shorts and get moving to raise money for two charities that are close to our hearts. 

Miles = smiles, and this year, our aim was to swim, cycle, stroll, row, and sprint the average miles covered by one of our vehicles in a month - that’s 4,412 in total!

During the month of May, some team members managed to hike up mountains, head out for long-distance runs, and one even counted a round of golf towards the miles needed to beat a F&W truck and raise funds for Blackburn Youth Zone and Pendleside Hospice. 

“We’ve been proud members of Blackburn Youth Zone’s Patrons Network for over a year now, and throughout that time, it’s been our pleasure to offer our support in any way that we can,” says F&W brand and marketing executive, Chris Corrigan. “The work that they do is so important. The charity offers much needed support and care services to the young people of Blackburn and Darwen in the form of opportunities for skills development, personal and professional growth, and continual investments into general health and mental wellbeing. 

“The investments they’ve made into their team, their services, and the facilities they have on site are really impressive; they promote cohesion by hosting activities which bring juniors and seniors together, and they have a dedicated Employability Hub to help young people who are just starting out in their career. Members can also get involved with playing football, learning how to navigate the boxing ring, developing their cookery skills, learning all things IT, or experimenting in the on-site music studio. Their commitment to young people in the area is definitely something to be celebrated, and we’re pleased to be a part of their journey. 

“The funds raised from this year’s Truck Trek will be divided equally between Blackburn Youth Zone and Pendleside Hospice. Pendleside Hospice is a charity that has touched the lives of many in the local community, F&W staff members included. They provide specialist and holistic palliative care services to enhance the quality of life for those suffering with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting their families and carers. Their service is second to none, and we look forward to organising and getting involved with more fundraising events in the future.” 

“We’re thrilled to have not only met but exceeded our target! We all had a great time getting involved in the Truck Trek, and it was a nice opportunity to socialise outside of work, all while raising money for two very worthy causes,” says F&W systems project administrator, Laura Fagan. “Our miles racked up to 4,537.76, which is quite an achievement, and we managed to raise a total of £2,423.50, which is incredible. Huge thanks to all the team members who got involved, and to those who cheered us on and supported our efforts by donating! 

“The Truck Trek was a great start to our ongoing fundraising efforts. Having now signed up for Pendleside Hospice’s Corporate Challenge, we can’t wait to get stuck in with more events throughout the year, including the Three Peaks Challenge, which a few members of our team have already signed up for!”

Pendleside Hospice’s Corporate Challenge raises vital funds to support the hospice every year, and is backed by local businesses in Padiham, Burnley, and beyond! It takes £4.5m to keep the hospice open every year, and they receive a little over £1m in statutory funding, so local support and donations are really the hospice’s lifeline. Whilst the Corporate Challenge is now closed to new sign-ups, you can find out which businesses are involved here, and keep an eye on social media for upcoming events that you might like to get involved with!