Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Mercedes-Benz of Bristol 3 Peaks Challenge

Bristol team scales new heights for local charities...

A team from Mercedes-Benz of Bristol is going all out to prove that there ‘ain’t no mountain high enough’ when it comes to supporting two well-known city charities.

The intrepid group from the Cribbs Causeway retailer will be undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge next month, when they hope to raise £15,000 for St Peter’s Hospice and Bristol Children’s Hospital.

The event will see eight members of staff climb Great Britain’s three highest mountains – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales – in just 24 hours. It is an arduous 40-kilometre trek that will include 2,984 metres of testing ascent and descent.

Between climbs, the team will also have to travel 1,250 miles between mountains in a pair of Mercedes-Benz of Bristol demonstrator vehicles that have been adorned with eye-catching Three Peaks Challenge liveries to promote the fund-raiser. The cars will be driven by some of their colleagues, who are giving up their time to act as support crew.

“This event forms part of the local community programme operated by our parent company, Sytner Group, to encourage its motor retailers to support good causes locally,” said Paul Sperring, Market Area Sales Director.

“St Peter’s Hospice and Bristol Children’s Hospital are two charities that are close to the hearts of staff at Mercedes-Benz of Bristol and everyone involved in our Three Peaks Challenge is wholeheartedly committed to raising as much as possible for them,” he added. “Individuals are generating their own personal sponsorship and we are also encouraging the involvement of corporate sponsors as we strive to achieve our target – every donation, big or small, is gratefully received.”

St Peter’s Hospice cared for over 2,000 patients and supported over 6,000 family members last year but needs to raise £6 million per annum to remain operational.

“Without the support of local people and businesses such as Mercedes-Benz of Bristol, we would not be able to function,” explained St Peter’s Hospice Business Manager Sian Rees. “The amount that the Mercedes-Benz of Bristol team hopes to raise would make a massive difference as it would enable 75 patients to attend day hospice or receive a home visit from one of our community nursing specialists.”

Lucy Smith, Community Fundraising Manager for Above & Beyond, the charity for the eight hospitals within University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the Bristol Children’s Hospital, was equally delighted with the retailer’s support.

“Proceeds from the Three Peaks Challenge will literally go ‘Above & Beyond’ by allowing us to purchase items that can help to bring a sense of normality to patients such as toys or televisions or pull-out beds that enable their parents to stay over,” she said. “We’re very grateful for Mercedes-Benz of Bristol’s support and wish the team the best of luck for the Challenge.”

You can donate by visiting one of the below websites -

www.justgiving.com/mercedes-benzofbristol-3peaks-bristolchildrenshospital

www.justgiving.com/mercedes-benzofbristol-3peaks-stpetershospice

Thank you!