Thirty up for JCB fun run

MORE than 400 participants helped to raise £3,500 for the NSPCC by taking part in the 30th anniversary JCB Lakeside Five and Fun Run.

The entrants comprised race stalwarts, first timers and people of all ages and abilities, who took part in the race around the firm’s Rocester HQ.       

The races were officially started by JCB Group Chief Executive Alan Blake – helped out by two veteran competitors who have run in every race over the last three decades.

Mick Grindey, of Uttoxeter, and Charles Bevan, of Abbots Bromley, participated in the inaugural event in 1983, and to mark their three decades, 51-year-old Mick, an Engineering PI Co-ordinator with JCB, wore entry number “1” and Charles, 66, a former JCB Group Electrical Engineer, number “30”.

First over the line was Ben Gamble in a time of 25 minutes 41 seconds. It was the seventh consecutive victory for the Staffordshire Police Sergeant from Stone.

First JCB lady was Carolyn Gilligan of Stone. The 41-year-old, who works in dealer development, notched up a race time of 38 minutes 11 seconds.  

Oakland team set for Kilimanjaro trek

A TEAM for staff from Worcestershire logistics firm Oakland International are to undertake a gruelling trek up Mount Kilimanjaro to boost fundraising for the Oakland Foundation.

The foundation, launched by the Princess Royal during a visit to the firm’s Redditch HQ, aims to raise £10,000. The sponsorship money will go towards local youth initiatives based on Health and Nutrition, Education and Sport for underprivileged children in the Redditch and Bromsgrove areas.

The Oakland team comprises managing director Dean Attwell, business support analyst Keith Davies, warehouse operative Daniel Hamer, European customer support and development manager Edith Hurst-Earl who will be joined by her acupuncturist husband Ken whose task is to focus his specialist holistic therapy skills on keeping the team’s bodies, minds and souls intact. Joining them are Stuart Starkey, of Starkey Electrical, Chris Shuker, of Central IT Systems, Cory Winstanley, of British Transport Police and Patrick Shuker, of Avelo Mortgage Products.  

The six-day trek starts on August 16.

Donations can be made by emailing marketing and events co-ordinator Hayley Smith at hayley.smith@oakland-international.com or by calling 01527 593953.

Pictured from left are: Chris Shuker, Ken and Edith Hurst-Earl, Keith Davies and Stuart Starkey.

Where there’s a Will there’s a donation

BROMSGROVE law firm Thomas Horton has presented £1,000 to the Primrose Hospice after donating a proportion of its Will writing fees.

The firm had been offering simple single Wills and Wills for couples as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of writing a Will.

Tina Circus, Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate, explains: “Our campaign not only encouraged a large number of people to put a Will in place, but also supported a very worthwhile charity in its vital work providing care for patients and families living with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.”

Lyn Winters, Fundraising Manager for the Primrose Hospice, added: “We are so grateful for the support from Thomas Horton, receiving this backing from a local business means a lot to us. Our two services do tie in so educating people about the importance of making a Will is key and something that all people should do. We look forward to a fruitful relationship with them.”

Pictured from left are: Lucy Baylis (Primrose Hospice), Angie Weatherill (Thomas Horton), Lyn Winters (Primrose Hospice), Gemma Munslow, Lisa Best, Tina Circus, Matthew Horton and Claire Pottinger (all Thomas Horton).