Member Article

Coastal Challenges raise over £14k for charity

DePuy Synthes staff descend on Scarborough to complete mammoth walk and cycle

Nearly 100 staff from Leeds-based medical devices company DePuy Synthes, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, took part in a mammoth coastal challenge that saw them raise over £14k for charity.

Over two days, 54 walkers took on a grueling 50-mile stretch of the Cleveland Way, whilst 36 cyclists left Blackpool for an 150-mile coast to coast cycle, in just one day, that took them through the hills of the Yorkshire Dales and saw them meet up with the walkers to cross the finish line in Scarborough.

The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Guy Coulson and Ms Sharon Dickinson, were there to cheer the participants on over the finish line and presented them with medals for completing the challenges.

The two charities that will benefit from the funds are South Leeds-based St Luke’s Cares, which is local to the DePuy Synthes’ HQ in Beeston, and helps young people and those furthest from the labour market, along with Operation Smile - a global Johnson & Johnson charity partner that supports children suffering from cleft lip or cleft palate and their families.

Andrew Dalton, Senior Business Leader at DePuy Synthes who completed the cycling challenge, commented: “Once again we have been astounded by our staff’s commitment to getting active and helping such worthy causes. This event was a real challenge with a combination of Met Office weather warnings and steep ascents and descents on route! But everyone dug deep and crossed the finish line – a huge achievement!

“We were delighted to be able to have the Deputy Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Scarborough cheer us across the finish line and we all celebrated in the only way you can in Scarborough, with a big portion of fish and chips!

“Last year’s challenge raised £8.5k and we’re thrilled to have smashed that target and have decided to make this challenge an annual event to continue our support for these fantastic charities.”

Jackson Turner, St Luke’s Cares General Manager, commented: “DePuy Synthes is a fantastic partner, whether hosting our in-business nail bar service, giving tours to young people we support or, in this case, holding mammoth sponsored events. Money raised from the 50-mile walk and activities held at head office will support five young girls to go and volunteer in a primary school in Zambia, a totally life-changing experience!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helen Bailey .