Gruelling challenges help Melton company raise over £500k for local causes

This was the 10th time the Samworth Brothers Charity Challenge has been organised and this year’s proceeds were allocated to 90 very worthy causes by the food production company.

It involved 454 people – from Samworth Brothers businesses, customers and suppliers – trekking, kayaking and biking in the stunning landscape of Castleton in the Peak District recently over two weekends last month.

This exhilarating Charity Challenge adventure race challenges endurance and teamwork, as the teams put their strength, stamina and strategy to the test, all in the name of raising money for charities close to their heart.

In total, £174,400 was donated to causes in the Melton Mowbray and Leicester areas, including LOROS Hospice (£28,000), Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People (£13,000) and Welly’s Work Place (£5,200).

Staff from local business PH Hull & Sons, which provides total waste management and sustainable waste solutions to Samworth Brothers, were involved in the firm’s seventh Charity Challenge, taking its own fundraising total to an impressive £72,000.

This year, the team chose to support LOROS Hospice after family members experienced the charity’s care first-hand and saw the need for additional funding.

Kettleby Foods area manager, Mark Taylor, marked his 10th Charity Challenge and helped his team raise £3,200, alongside a £500 bonus for finishing third in their entry-level category.

Since Samworth Brothers first held the Charity Challenge, the fundraising effort has generated more than £3.3M for charities.

CEO, Simon Wookey, said the business was ‘proud’ to have achieved this, adding: “The Samworth family has long been committed to being a force for good, supporting local communities and helping them thrive.

"What makes the Charity Challenge special is that it brings together colleagues, customers and suppliers from across the food supply chain in a unique team event.

"It promotes health and wellbeing, strengthens teamwork and partnership, and supports both host communities and charities that matter personally to those taking part.”

Mark Taylor, area manager at Kettleby Foods, said: “I have proudly taken part in the Charity Challenge on 10 occasions and continue to put myself forward each year because I genuinely enjoy pushing myself and embracing the challenge.

"Cumulatively, I estimate that my personal involvement in the Charity Challenge has contributed to raising over £22,000 for charitable causes.

"It has been a privilege to continue participating in such a well organised and rewarding event, and I would wholeheartedly recommend the Charity Challenge to anyone who has not yet taken part.”

Rob Hull, managing director of PH Hull & Sons, said: “The event finishes with a fantastic celebration dinner hosted by Samworth Brothers, and we were really well looked after with food and drink.

“What makes the challenge so enjoyable is that it’s not just about fitness - the strategy is often the hardest part.

“Planning your route and working out how to collect the most checkpoints is definitely a case of brain over brawn, which makes it really inclusive. "