Seven Yorkshire Building Society colleagues have completed a 198km treadmill ultramarathon to raise money for the mutual’s charity partnership with Felix.
The Mortgage Advice Team collectively covered the distance in under 10 hours at the Society’s Bradford headquarters on 30 September, raising more than £1,000.
The 198km distance was chosen because it is equivalent to travelling from Yorkshire Building Society’s head office on Yorkshire Drive in Bradford to its Peterborough office.
EMPLOYABILITY SUPPORT
The fundraising supports Yorkshire Building Society’s partnership with Felix, formerly known as FareShare and The Felix Project. The food rescue charity works with supermarkets, restaurants, wholesalers, manufacturers and farmers to redistribute surplus food through a network of 16 regional partners.
The partnership funds the Building Skills for the Future programme in areas including Yorkshire, Merseyside, London, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
The programme provides participants with work experience, qualifications and support with CV writing and interview preparation, alongside outreach sessions aimed at improving financial wellbeing and confidence in navigating the jobs market.
Samuel Gee, a mortgage adviser at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We wanted to take on a challenge that would really push us while supporting a cause that makes a difference in communities across the country.
“The distance was daunting, but knowing we’re helping raise money for Felix kept us motivated throughout the day.
“Every pound raised go towards the Building Skills for the Future programme, helping people in communities up and down the country improve their employability prospects.”
Previous fundraising challenges undertaken by Yorkshire Building Society colleagues have included the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Ilkley Cow and Calf Zipline Challenge and an overnight climb of Snowdon.
Gareth Batty, director of network at Felix, said: “Our employability programmes help people who may be vulnerable take positive steps into stable, sustainable work — tackling one of the root causes of poverty.
“The support we provide helps individuals recognise their strengths, overcome barriers and seize opportunities that can transform their future.
“Our partnership with Yorkshire Building Society is crucial in expanding this work, enabling us to help thousands more people while strengthening our ability to get good surplus food to communities that need it.”
