More than £3,000 was raised for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, with a 24-hour treadmill challenge in Appleby.
Organised by Patrick James Solutions — mortgage broker and insurance advisers based at the town’s Crosscroft industrial estate — the fundraising event saw about 20 people take part.
Running stints on a treadmill set up in the Appleby firm’s office ranged from 20 minutes upwards.
Participants included staff who work at Patrick James Solutions as well as from other businesses from around the industrial estate and Lee Salmon from the Great North air ambulance (GNAAS), who did a few miles on the late night shift.
The air ambulance has two staffed bases (at Langwathby, near Penrith, and Progress House in Eaglescliffe) and the idea was to run 103 miles – the distance between the two bases and back.
However, after running took place through the night, the final distance covered was 122.75 miles.
Patrick Glennon, of Bolton, managing director of Patrick James Solutions, said: “As a company, this year we plan to do a charity event each month.
“It won’t always be the case that we will be asking for monetary donations.
“It will be us as a team offering our time to do volunteer work and working with charities to raise their profile as much as we can.
“Something we are keen to do in the next few months is work with local animal rescues and food banks. In a cost of living crisis, we want to do our bit to support people.
“It’s not only a great way for us to give back to the local community, but we find it’s a brilliant way of building team morale.”
Specific thanks went to everyone that took part in the treadmill event and to all who supported the incredible fundraising effort which may now become an annual fixture.
“If you are a local charity or know of one that needs our support please contact us directly and hopefully we can work together in the next 12 months,” added Patrick.
