Member Article

Lake training for Stockport Valour Finance Group

A group of finance workers from Stockport is swapping suit jackets for waterproofs and walking boots as they attempt to raise over £3,000 for a North West charity.

Mark Bowker and his team at Valour Finance Group are currently being put through a gruelling training routine - devised by former Manchester City player Paul Lake - in preparation to take on three of England’s highest mountains. The company has pledged to raise over £3,000 in donations for Cheadle-based charity, the Together Trust, which provides care, education and support for children and adults who have behavioural problems, learning difficulties, physical disabilities and/or autism.

A life long Manchester City fan, Bowker approached Paul Lake asking for his advice on how best to motivate his team and build their stamina ahead of the Lakes Three Peaks Challenge, having met previously during Lake’s role as Ambassador for Manchester City in the Community.

The Valour group will face a test of endurance as they embark on the feat on Saturday 13th July, where they will attempt to scale Scaffell Pike, Hellvellyn and Skiddaw in under 24 hours. Setting off at 8am, the team will begin the 3,209 ft. ascent of Scaffell Pike. They will be transported across the central fells to then climb to the peak of Helvellyn at 3,117 ft, and on completion will then be driven to the final Skiddaw mountain where they will attempt the 3,054 ft in darkness; a challenge for even the most experienced of walkers.

Valour Finance Group offers a range of services including expert, confidential debt help and advice. With offices based in Stockport, Valour regularly identifies ways for the business to contribute and support the local community. In 2012 the company raised £3480 for the Together Trust after visiting Ashcroft, the charity’s independent special school for children aged 8 - 18 in Cheadle, Greater Manchester.

This year, the funding from Valour will enable the Together Trust to provide fifteen pupils from the school a rewarding and rehabilitating activity break in the Lake District. Under the supervision of five carers, the pupils will be given the opportunity to participate in important confidence-building activities, whilst learning more about the countryside.

Company Director Mark Bowker, commented “Valour Finance Group first visited Ashcroft School in 2012 and we were so moved by the difficulties these young people have experienced in their short lives, we were determined to do something to make a difference.

“We are exceptionally grateful to Paul Lake for lending his support to ensure the Valour team is fully prepared for the challenge ahead; and enable us to help raise awareness and generate vital funds for the Together Trust as it such a worthwhile cause.”

Together Trust’s Fundraising Manager Helena Brailsford said “Valour Finance Group has provided us with amazing support over the past year.

“The funds raised in 2013 are being used to give these young people the opportunity to create some vital happy and lasting memories of their very own. We are so grateful to Valour for all its support, and for working with us to offer opportunities like work experience for our young people as well as raising much-needed funds.”

To make a donation and pledge support for the Valour Three Peaks challenge, visit http://www.valourthreepeakschallenge.org for further information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kate Williams .