Member Article

Zip Wear challenge for electrical firm

Staff from one of the North East’s leading electrical companies are swapping live wires for a zip wire in aid of two regional charities.

A team of four from Sunderland-based McNally and Thompson, are taking part in the annual Zip Wear event for the North East Autism Society and SAFC’s official charity, the Foundation of Light.

The fundraising event, which is being held on Saturday April 5, challenges participants to zip 250 metres from the roof of the Stadium of Light to the Liebherr Cranes site on the opposite bank of the River Wear.

McNally and Thompson employees, Fred Hood, Mike West, Dave Wealleans and Mark Taylor, are among those taking part and all four will be zip wiring for the very first time.

Fred said: “McNally and Thompson have been strong supporters of the Foundation of Light for several years and the Zip Wear challenge seemed like a great way to continue this support and enjoy an adrenalin boost at the same time.

“We’re all really daunted by the idea of zip wiring from the Stadium roof but are really excited at the same time.”

Fred, Mike, Dave and Mark, all aged 40-50, will be joined for the Zip Wear challenge by Fred’s 19 year old daughter, Abbie.

They are among dozens of people set to zip across the river at up to 25 miles per hour, with proceeds being split between the Foundation of Light and the North East Autism Society, which helps to educate and support people of all ages who are dealing with autism across the region.

.This will be the third-annual Zip Wear event hosted by the Foundation of Light, with previous events raising more than £25,000 to help fund the charity’s work to involve, educate and inspire more than 42,000 of the region’s young people every year.

Jemma Garrett, Events Coordinator at the Stadium of Light said: “The previous Zip Wear events have been a fantastic success and we hope to raise even more money this year with support from the team at McNally and Thompson and various other individuals and businesses across the North East.”

Registration for Zip Wear 2014 costs £20 if participants can pledge to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship or £120 outright and places are strictly limited.

For more information or to book email events@foundationoflight.co.uk or call 0191 551 5191.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .