Broughton Employees take on 600-mile challenge and dragon boat race for a mental health charity

Broughton employees take on 600-mile challenge and dragon boat race to raise funds for a mental health charity

Notching up miles on land and water

Energetic employees at Broughton are notching up miles on land and water for a mental health organisation in a month-long charity challenge. A group of workers has pledged to take part in mental health charity Mind in Bradford’s 600 miles in September event – with one of our employees even taking part from India.

If that wasn’t enough, two daring teams donned their lab coats and dug in their oars to compete in the Skipton dragon boat race, with all sponsorship boosting Mind.

Mind in Bradford ran mental health sessions for staff so, when we were looking for our next charity to support, they were top of the list. Thirty-two employees have signed up to the 600-mile challenge, splitting into three teams to compete against each other to reach their target by walking, running, or cycling.

Staff have been completing their miles at lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, with one employee based in India having to grapple with monsoon season while trying to fit in his miles. Another member of the team took a trip up Snowdon to further their efforts.

HR associate Georgia Flynn, one of the organisers of Broughton’s effort, said: “Teams have been competing against each other to see which can be the first to get to 600 miles, and it’s been great to see new friendships forming among people who don’t work directly together and bringing departments together.

“Mind in Bradford is such a great cause and the challenge itself is already promoting better mental health among employees, encouraging people to get away from their desks and motivating them to do more exercise.”

The dragon boat race, organised by Skipton Rotary Club, saw 13 teams dress up to race on Coniston lake near Skipton. The two Broughton teams, including employees and some family members, raced across the lake three times with each team nominating a drummer to sit at the bow to keep the rowers in time.

Quality Assurance Officer Vicky Broomhead, who led one of the Broughton teams and whose roller derby hobby has helped her clock up miles in the 600-mile challenge, said: “It was a great day and everyone got really involved in the races, even though we hadn’t been in a boat together before. Taking part in an event like this really brought people together outside of work to do something fun for a good cause and we’ve already talked about doing it again next year.”

Broughton also staged a staff sports day at the start of the month, with competitors from all departments paying to take part in events including a tug of war, welly wanging, and egg, and spoon races.

Supporting good causes

Chief executive Paul Moran said Broughton had a long history of supporting good causes and playing a role in the community.

He said: “It is vital that we support employees with their mental health, so it is fitting that our workers have chosen to support the life-changing work of Mind in Bradford. I would like to congratulate our dragon boat racers and staff taking part in the 600-mile challenge for their efforts and look forward to seeing how much they raise at the end of the month.”

To support Broughton’s efforts, visit the Just Giving page

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