At SMD we take our social responsibility very seriously and 2019 has been another standout year for our fundraising efforts!
This year we chose three charities to support during various feats of physical and mental endurance. Julia’s House, a local Dorset children’s hospice that provides care and support for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families, Cancer charity Macmillan and Parkinson’s UK Charity.
Thank you to all our amazing staff who took part in many of these events and to those who donated. We’ve raised a whopping £4,643.97, so let’s look back at the activities our brave team took part in.
A walk in the park…not!
Julia’s House Dorset Jurassic Coast Trek, 13 & 26 miles.
With a group of 19 tackling the 13 and 26-mile treks in unseasonably high winds, our walkers traversed the craggy Jurassic Coast. Although they were faced with some tough climbs, it was well worth it when they were rewarded with breath-taking views at the top. With their walking boots firmly in place, they journeyed across stony trails and grassy knolls before crossing the finish line and having a well-earned rest and a cuppa!
On two wheels.
Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, 38 miles.
In July, 10 of the SMD team took part in the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride. Covering 38 miles of rolling Dorset countryside, they passed through picturesque places such as Wimborne and Blandford before looping back round to the starting point.
There were mixed abilities in the group, but we stuck together to finish the challenge as a team! We’d like to say thanks to everyone who took part including Ryan Maidment, Phil McGeehan, Dan Williams, Jim Brokenshire, Rich Hydes, Keith Grange, Kyle Grigg, Grant Kirby, Pete Watkins and Suzy Watkins.
RideLondon, 46 miles.
After traversing the scenic countryside of our home county, Pete Watkins, Rich Hydes and family member, Andy Sewell took to the urban jungle for RideLondon. Making their way through the winding streets of our capital city, they passed popular sites such as Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. This challenging but interesting loop had spectators applauding them throughout.
Julia’s House Bike Ride, 50 miles.
Although the morning of the Julia’s House Bike Ride was wet and windy, the weather cleared up towards the end of the day to see Pete Watkins, his wife Suzy and a peloton of cyclists from Poole Wheelers, cross the finish line on this 50-mile ride. Starting at Larmer Tree Gardens, they cycled through the chocolate box villages of Dorset and Wiltshire and took in the stunning views over Cranborne Chase.
A magnificent run.
Bournemouth Marathon Festival, half marathon.
Not content with his efforts in the Dorset Bike Ride, Phil McGeehan completed his first half marathon at the annual festival held on the Dorset coast. Spurred on by the cheering crowds, Phil finished with a fantastic time of 2 hours 4 minutes, making him 1936th out of 3768. Blessed with mild weather, this popular festival sees marathon runners taking in Boscombe and Bournemouth Pier as they run along the promenade and the beach.
Taking to the sea.
Brownsea Island Swim, 4 miles.
The SMD fundraising efforts don’t stop on land, and this year Will Corsie took to the waters of Poole harbour in the Brownsea Island Swim. A fabulous opportunity to explore the open waters, the swimmers have to loop the largest island in the harbour before making their way back to shore. An impressive feat that certainly looked a little chilly!
Now we’re taking the biscuit!
On top of all of that, staff from our Head office in Poole took part in the Macmillan Coffee Morning 2019 with various cakes and savouries made for everyone to enjoy!
It’s not too late to donate!
If you would like to send any more donations over to our team, go to our Just Giving page to find out more!
Looking ahead to 2020.
We’ve got much more planned for 2020 and hope that you can offer your support with our fundraising efforts. From cycling to swimming, 2019 has tested us more than ever, but we’re going to work even harder next year to raise money for worthwhile causes and test ourselves too! Keep an eye out on our website to stay up-to-date on what we get up to.