Member Article

UNW colleagues brave Storm Callum to raise £8,000 for local MS charity

It may have thrown everything at them, but Storm Callum didn’t dampen UNW spirits as colleagues from the chartered accountancy and business advisory firm completed a mammoth marathon walk along the beautiful Northumberland coastline for local charity!

Last Saturday (13th October) saw around 30 participants from the Newcastle-based firm battle heavy winds and torrential rainfall to complete the gruelling 27.5-mile challenge from Warkworth to Bamburgh Castle in aid of MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF).

As part of UNW’s work in the local community, colleagues are asked to nominate a local, independent organisation as their ‘charity of the year’, with MSRRF chosen for 2018/19. Previous beneficiaries include Caring Hands, Charlie Bear for Cancer Care, Women’s Aid and Smile For Life.

At certain points of the route, the fishing boats encountered along the way may have been better suited than carrying on by foot, but participants soldiered on to reach the finish line as the sun began to set over Bamburgh.

Michael Morris, Audit Partner at UNW, said; “To say it wasn’t the nicest of days is an understatement, meaning that this year’s challenge was the most difficult we have done by a country mile!

“We had around 30 colleagues giving up their time to make the day such a success, raising £8000 and counting for MSRRF and I cannot thank them enough. It was also great to see staff from the charity there to greet us at the finish line with champagne and cake, which was very welcome!”

MSRRF is based at Benmar House in Morpeth and supports those affected by Multiple Sclerosis and their families through free therapies and classes, as well as grants that provide access to specific equipment to limit the impact the condition has on their lives.

The organisation, which also has nine outreach centres across the North East, has recently purchased a new property, received planning permission and is currently putting together plans to open a new Aquatherapy centre in North Seaton, with the money raised by UNW going towards new equipment.

Dan Nelson, Fundraising Manager at MSRRF, said; “By undertaking and completing the 27.5 mile ‘Castle Walk Challenge’, UNW staff have done themselves and their partnership proud. For so many to be involved, to have raised that much money and considering the conditions, to all have smiles on their faces at the end is a true testament to the spirit of all involved.

“The funds raised will be spent on specialist equipment designed to meet the needs of more local people affected by MS and to maximise their experience of attending what will become our new Physiotherapy and Aquatherapy Centre.”

**For more information regarding UNW’s services and work within the local community, please visit www.unw.co.uk. To find out more about MSRRF’s available classes, therapies and grants, visit https://www.ms-researchandrelief.org/. **

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Turnbull .