Congratulations to a team of trekkers from Equitix and Equitix Management Services Limited (EMS) who completed a26-mile (marathon) walk in North Norfolk on Friday 20 September in aid of Willow Burn Hospice.
The team of 21 collectively raised a staggering amount of £21,894 including match funding from the Equitix Foundation.
All of the charities that Equitix consider supporting are nominated by employees and this year, Liv Lumley, an analyst in the Investor Relations Team (from County Durham) and a friend of Willow Burn from years gone by, provided this nomination.
Rachel Quince, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Fundraising and Marketing said: "We are absolutely blown away by the fundraising and match-funding by the team at Equitix, which will fund a part-time palliative care nurse for 12 months in our in-patient wing here at the hospice.
I remember clearly receiving a call from Liv to tell us that we had been nominated and I was absolutely thrilled, as we don't receive phone calls like that every day. I never anticipated however, the level of fundraising that would be achieved. A huge thank you to all of the trekkers and everyone who supported them in their challenge."
The team at Equitix said:
"Hospice care is not the topic I ever thought about until it became personal for me and my family. We only truly appreciate what the many hospices and their dedicated staff across the country do to support people in their last days and help bereaved families when we are going through the darkest and toughest times ourselves. Hospice care funding crisis is completely lost in the daily storm of cost-cutting headlines, overshadowed by the problems in NHS, education, etc. Joining the Willow Burn fundraiser walk was a no-brainer, it was an opportunity to support one of the many great hospice teams that does such vital work for the community. I must say 26 miles felt like a very long way on the day, but I am very proud of what we as a team have achieved and take great satisfaction in knowing the direct impact the funds we have raised will make to Willow Burn hospice.”
Natasha Rouse - Managing Director
"I recently completed a 26-mile hike to support Willow Burn Hospice, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. The journey was challenging but knowing that every step was contributing to such a meaningful cause kept me motivated. The scenic views along the trail were breath-taking, and the camaraderie among fellow walkers was truly inspiring. We faced various terrains, from steep hills to winding paths, but the sense of accomplishment at the end was unparalleled. This hike was not just about physical endurance, it was a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together for a cause. I’m grateful for the support from everyone who donated. The contributions will make a significant difference in providing compassionate care to those in their final stages of life. Thank you."
Phil Helliwell - Operations Manager
"I wanted a challenge, and this worked perfectly for me. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. The weather was perfect, the Norfolk coast somewhere I had never previously visited was beautiful (and more importantly flat!). So thank you for getting me out of the office, raising money for a great cause whilst enjoying the company of my work colleagues. Bring on the next challenge."
Paul Winters - COO
“It’s our privilege to be able to offer our support to centres like Willow Burn Hospice, who really are a lifeline in small communities. As a Foundation our intention has always been to support small, local charities that will materially benefit from the size of donations our activities typically raise. I was delighted to be able to join the team and take part in the marathon, which gave us all an enormous sense of achievement.”
Hugh Crossley - CEO
"Experiencing first-hand the incredible service that hospices provide (on very low budgets) it was an easy decision for us as a committee to choose to support Willow Burn. Knowing we can truly make a difference was all the inspiration I needed to get to the finish line….and I definitely needed some towards the end!"
Gillian Wilson - Head of Marketing & Communications and Foundation Committee member
"Despite the varied and at times challenging terrain, all 25 walkers managed to walk 26 miles across north Norfolk’s coastline, valiantly finishing in the seaside village of Blakeney. Ignoring sore feet, aching knees, and stiff backs, they were unbowed in their efforts to secure the sponsorships that had been vouched! In total, between them and Equitix, a total of almost £22,000 was raised - amazing commitment by all!
Deborah Harrison, EA and Foundation committee member (Organiser not marathon walker)
The Equitix Foundation's mission is to materially support causes with a connection to Equitix assets in the community and they are privileged to be able to do just that in County Durham.
