£20k raised by Horsham colleagues in 10,000-mile challenge for the NHS

Hundreds of staff members at a Horsham business have collectively travelled 10,000 miles and raised more than £20,000 for the NHS after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore.
By Jasmin Martin
Published 23rd Jun 2020, 10:49 BST
Hannah Stone was part of the team at Benchmark Capital in Horsham who helped raise thousands for the NHS SUS-200623-095319001Hannah Stone was part of the team at Benchmark Capital in Horsham who helped raise thousands for the NHS SUS-200623-095319001
Hannah Stone was part of the team at Benchmark Capital in Horsham who helped raise thousands for the NHS SUS-200623-095319001

The fundraiser saw the team from Benchmark Capital travel the distance between their office, in Langhurstwood Road, and Brisbane, Australia in the space of four weeks.

The Benchmark to Brisbane challenge was completed on Friday, June 19, and raised funds for the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust (SASH).

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Andrew Bickerdike from SASH, said: “At the hospitals, we are thrilled with the support we’ve received from everyone at Benchmark Capital, it’s been amazing to follow them on their journey, and see the varied ways they’ve raised funds and covered a virtual 10,000 miles!

“The money will help to provide new rest areas for hospital staff who are working incredibly hard to keep our community safe during Covid-19.

“These will include things like soft furnishings, indoor plants, noise cancelling headphones and a coffee machine. These might seem like small things, but they will make a huge difference to our colleagues working long shifts in really difficult circumstances.”

Following in the footsteps of Captain Tom – who raised millions for the NHS by walking laps of his garden in Bedfordshire in the run up to his 100th birthday – the colleagues from Benchmark walked, ran and cycled their way to their goal and smashed their target of raising £10,000 – £1 for every mile travelled – to raise £11,130.

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Benchmark Capital Ltd, which has more than 400 members of staff in Horsham, also donated an additional £10,000, to thank the staff members for their efforts.

Group managing director, David White, said: “I’m really proud of the whole Benchmark Capital team.

“Our staff ran, walked and cycled over 10,000 miles to raise money for the wonderful nurses, doctors and staff at the East Surrey Hospital and their charity, SASH.

“Together we raised over £20,000 via donations from staff, family and friends as well as company matching.”

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Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust runs East Surrey Hospital in Redhill and provides a range of services at hospitals in Crawley, Horsham, Caterham and elsewhere.

It has a growing catchment population of 535,000 residents in east Surrey and northeast West Sussex and is the designated hospital for Gatwick Airport and the local M25 and M23 motorway network

SASH Charity is the charity for East Surrey Hospital and the care and services provided by the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH).

For more information visit http://www.sashcharity.org or http://www.surreyandsussex.nhs.uk

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Related topics:Tom MooreSurreyNHS