[ node.tpl : 'full']
This weekend saw 600 M&S staff take on their biggest charity challenge to date. The employees, from across the UK and Ireland, went the extra mile by cycling 60,000 miles in 24 hours, as part of M&S’ biggest charity endurance challenge to date.
The unique fundraising challenge took place at the Prodrive Race Track in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, and saw M&S employees take part in a 'Le Mans' inspired 24-hour endurance event. Employees competed in teams of four, with each cyclist individually pedalling for six hours to cover 100 miles around the track.
With each team successfully crossing the finishing line, M&S' target to raise more than £1million for three leading cancer charities is firmly on track. Over £500,000 has been raised to date in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer (GB), Action Cancer (NI) and the Marie Keating Foundation (ROI).
Speaking from the event, Caroline Feraday, British broadcaster and friend of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "Marks & Spencer has been a key supporter of Breakthrough Breast Cancer for over 10 years. As a supporter of Breakthrough myself, I am thrilled that this ambitious event was such a success. The money raised by the overwhelming efforts of the 600 M&S employees over the weekend will make a huge difference; helping to save the lives of the 48,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year."
Steve Rowe, Director of Retail at M&S, who set his own Pedibus challenge for spectators at the event, said: "The last 24 hours have been a fantastic achievement but it's not quite over yet! So far we have raised over £500,000 but with two months to go we hope we can really make it a summer to remember and smash our £1 million target."
In support of the main challenge, a host of fundraising activities have been taking place at all M&S' UK and Irish stores since 1st June and will continue through July and August. Customers can make donations in-store or online via the Just Giving page which continues to take donations until 31st August.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer had its own team taking on the gruelling challenge – congratulations to the Breakthrough Boys who finished 9th out of 138 teams!