Member Article

Yorkshire Bank staff lace boots for charity climb

The local business community doesn’t usually welcome an uphill struggle, but a corporate fundraising group led by Yorkshire Bank staff is to climb the region’s three highest mountains for charity.

More than 40 individuals, including Yorkshire Bank’s Leeds-based Specialist and Acquisition Finance (SAF) team, are to put their best foot forward and undertake the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on June 9. All funds raised will be donated to Leeds Autism Services, which provides a wide range of services to adults with autism.

Yorkshire Bank’s SAF staff will be joined by volunteers, family and friends from the charity as well as representatives from a wide range of Leeds-based professional service firms including Park Place Corporate Finance, Pinsent Masons, Squire Patton Boggs, Livingbridge, Endless, Key Capital Partners, Eversheds, KPMG, BDO, Valuemaker, Traditional Stone and RSM. Councillor Adam Ogilvie has also agreed to lace his hiking boots and take part in the charity event.

The 24-mile walk involves scaling Yorkshire’s three highest peaks – Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – in under 12 hours and incorporates 5,200ft (1,585m) of ascent.

Leeds Autism Services, which is accredited by the National Autistic Society, recently launched a campaign to raise £10,000 to refurbish its training kitchens at its vocational bases at Hunslet and Armley.

The kitchens enable adults with autism to engage in a range of activities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and housekeeping. As well providing daily living skills that can aid independent living, taking part in the sessions can also enhance self-esteem and confidence. The training and skills acquired may also help service users find employment in the future.

Mike Selina, senior director in Yorkshire Bank’s Leeds-based SAF team, and organiser of the charity event, said: “Yorkshire Bank has a long history of supporting the communities in which it is based. As part of our commitment to local communities, we have put together a team of over 40 business figures and supporters to undertake the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of LAS.

“Autism is a lifelong development disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people. LAS is a very caring organisation that provides support for adults with autism that is tailored to the individual.

“The Three Peaks Challenge will be gruelling, but every step we take will help a very worthwhile cause. I hope our customers and contacts get behind us/ to support the staff and the people at LAS.”

Karl Wilson, fundraising manager at Leeds Autism Services, said: “On behalf of Leeds Autism Services, I would like to thank all of those who will be lacing their hiking boots in order to take on the Three Peaks Challenge. The money raised will have a huge impact on the adults we support, enabling them to learn new life skills and open up a wide range of opportunities.”

To support the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of Leeds Autism Services, please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/Y3P-LAS.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlene Sweeney .