Colleagues to take leap of faith for charity (From Knutsford Guardian)

Colleagues to take leap of faith for charity

3:00pm Saturday 22nd September 2012 in News

OVER the past few months employees at de Poel in Knutsford have tackled several sporting challenges and raised more than £32,000 for Mencap.

On October 6 five further members from the Chelford Road-based company will take on the challenge of a lifetime and skydive from 14,600 feet over the Cumbrian countryside to raise even more funds for the charity.

Janine Campbell, one of the five taking part, said: “We have been inspired to take on this challenge after sharing in the success of all our colleagues over the past few months.

“We’re hoping to raise more than £2,600 and although we’re a little nervous we are looking forward to the day.”

Other challenges completed by staff include a three-day bike ride from Manchester to Paris in June and an open water swim by Emma Tait-Barber, PR and communications executive for de Poel, who swam one mile in Salford Quays in 55 minutes, 37 seconds.

The year’s efforts will culminate in an entertainment-packed gala dinner on October 12 at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

All profits from the dinner will go to Mencap, and tickets are now on sale.

To make a donation to the Skydive for Mencap visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ skydiveformencap. To buy tickets for the dinner, which are £125, e-mail Carla Ditzel at cditzel@depoel.co.uk.