A group of employees from
Accu, an engineering component distributor in Huddersfield, have ‘gone the extra mile’ in support of
The Kirkwood charity by conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. A team of 18 hiked up and down the Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough mountains — a 24-mile round trip, including 1,585m of ascent, raising over £1,000 for the charity which provides specialist care and support to individuals affected by life-restricting illness across the Kirklees area.
Richard Durr, operations director at Accu, said: “Taking on the Three Peaks as a team was a real test of endurance, but knowing it was for The Kirkwood gave every step extra purpose. It was inspiring to see everyone pull together for such a vital cause.”
Hannah Laverick, management accountant at Accu, added: “Climbing those peaks was as much a mental challenge as a physical one, but the sense of achievement and the reason behind it made it all worthwhile. Supporting The Kirkwood means supporting people in our own community.”
This year’s charity partnership was chosen by the Accu Community Group, made up of Accu employees, specifically to support local community projects. With just 25% of The Kirkwood’s funding provided by the NHS, the charity depends heavily on donations, fundraising events and support from local organisations to provide medical care, practical advice, emotional support and guidance for families during some of life’s most difficult times.
Alastair Morris, managing director of Accu, said: “Our partnership with The Kingwood is really important to us and we are very proud of our team’completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. This is just the start as our employees will be working hard on their fundraising efforts for The Kirkwood over the coming months.” As a business, Accu gives every employee one fully paid volunteering day each year, and many employees choose to use this day to fundraise and support The Kirkwood.
The Kirkwood CEO Michael Crowther said: “We are delighted that Accu has chosen The Kirkwood as its Charity of the Year. It is an incredible gesture, and knowing that the decision to support us was led by its employees, via The Accu Community Group, is truly humbling. Accu are a local business with a global reach, and its values align closely with our own. Just like The Kirkwood, the company puts people at the very heart of everything it does.”
In an effort to raise more funds, Accu is set to participate in The Kirkwood Starlight Walk on 5 July, a community walk taking place in the evening across the streets of Huddersfield.
Further fundraising activities are also in the pipeline for Accu as the company aims to raise £5,000 in the year ahead, with plans for a sponsored charity games night.