4th Of October by Sam Torr

As part of our fundraising challenge for our chosen charity for 2017, Cancer Research UK, 23 P&A employees will tackle the Chester Marathon this Sunday.

The company has supplied weekly training sessions in our warehouse in Mold in the lead up to the marathon, with all staff committing to working as a team to support each other.

Employees across the company from the Garden Centre, the Zest 4 Leisure timber garden furniture division, Fencing & Timber Buildings as well as the P&A manufacturing division will be taking part to raise money for this vital cause.

As a group we have already raised over £14,000 for Cancer Research since we began fundraising in February and we are hoping our continued efforts will help us in achieving our £20,000 target.

As well as marathons, fundraising events this year have included triathlons, cycling events, a 10,000 step challenge and a charity golf day.

Steve Morgan, managing director at P&A, said: “I am very proud of all of our staff members who have committed to completing the marathon, it will be a truly life changing challenge for each and every runner.

“We have all been training so hard and it is fantastic to see everyone’s spirit and enthusiasm in the lead up to the event – it really highlights our sense of teamwork and family values.”

One of the highlight events completed this year for Cancer Research was the Manchester Marathon, where 25 P&A employees all crossed the finish line, raising over £12,000 for the charity.

Steve, along with manager John Vaughan are also in the process of completing a 1,000 mile challenge for the charity, with their latest event being the grueling 140 mile Ironman Wales in September, which they both completed.

Louise Aubrey, Cancer Research UK’s Senior Local Fundraising Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted that Steve and the team have decided to attempt such a great challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“They have done lots of preparation and we’re sure they’re going to have an amazing experience. We can’t thank them enough for all of their support and want to wish them all the very best for this Sunday.”

As a growing company P&A is committed to employee fitness and long-term well-being as well as supporting the community and raising money for charity.

The company have been supporting their marathon runners with a fitness plan and in addition will cover the entry fees, the transport, the nutritional advice, the T-shirts and running kit.

Steve added: “There are so many people in our society that are living with or are effected in some way by this disease and everyone within our company feels privileged to be able to help this charity in the fight against cancer.

“I hope our efforts will encourage others to get involved by donating or raising funds for Cancer Research UK, enabling it to continue investing in its vital research, treatment and support that effects so many.”

Continuing to take part in events is very important for the company following the success of previous years when as a group we raised over £15,000.00 for The Alzheimer’s Society and over £6,000 last year for Meningitis Now, in memory of one of our own.

“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research,” Louise added.

You can help us in our fundraising efforts by visiting our JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/P-A-Group-and-Zest4Leisure