1 May 2018
Staff from a Yorkshire estate agency, Linley & Simpson, are choc-full of ideas to raise money for children with life-limiting illnesses across the county.
Colleagues from Linley & Simpson with a sweet taste for adventure will adopt a Willy Wonka theme, as they prepare for their latest challenge - making a splash in one of the UK’s top dragon boat races.
Under the team name, “Linley & Simpson’s Golden Ticket”, colleagues from across its North and West Yorkshire branch network will take to the waters at Roundhay Park in Leeds to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.
The team hoping to paddle power their way to victory include Joe Gilman, Mark Christopher, Neil McGroarty, Hannah Craven, Jane Judge, Lottie Jordens-Harris, Mark Sheridan, Matthew Beardow. and Alex Atkinson.
In keeping with the theme, as an added sweetener, the company is handing out 500 special chocolate bars to visitors to the family event – with the chance to unwrap one of 10 prizes that will be on offer.
The Boston Spa-based hospice is Linley & Simpson’s chosen charity, ensuring it benefits from continuous and long-term support.
It costs £18,500 a day for the hospice to survive and continue its unique work supporting hundreds of children and their families, and the independent agency is hoping to raise that amount – and more – through a year of fund-raisers.
Staff have already volunteered to race over an inflatable obstacle course; take part in a 64-mile bike ride; put their best feet forward for a “Strictly Get Dancing” competition; perform a skydive; and brave a sponsored haircut
The event on Sunday May 20 celebrates the 11th anniversary of dragon boat racing taking part on the park's iconic lake. It is a unique corporate team-building event and family fun day, all in aid of Martin House.
Emily Wilkinson, who heads up the agency’s charity and community projects, said: “Thanks to the inspiration and hard work of all staff, we have already raised over £50,000 for the hospice in fun and innovative ways that have promoted teamwork and teambuilding.”
"We made our debut in last year’s event and paddled our way to a very creditable 6th position.
“We hope the chocolate theme will power us faster to the winning line this year – and, more importantly, propel us ever closer towards meeting and beating our £18,500 target for this year.
The residential sales and lettings specialists, with 11 branches across North and West Yorkshire (York, Harrogate, Ripon, Wetherby, Ilkley, Saltaire, Wakefield, Chapel Allerton, Horsforth, Leeds city centre and Roundhay itself), is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.
Anyone wishing to help the team make a splash in its fund-raising efforts for Martin House can pledge their support on their Just Giving Fundraising page.
