Equiom’s team, who recently undertook the Three Peaks Challenge, were successful in their attempt and have raised £10,000 for Hospice Isle of Man.
The team of seven including Equiom chairman, Larry Kearns and group managing director, Sheila Dean undertook the UK’s premier mountain challenge with the initial aim of raising £1,200 to cover the first print run of a cookbook project, which had been brought to their attention by Hospice’s Northern Committee.
However, cheque presentations were made to Hospice Isle of Man and to Northern Hospice Committee for £7,500 and £2,500 respectively. Sheila Dean speaking at the presentations said: ‘So many of us have personal attachments to Hospice on the island, and the fantastic work they do.
‘So to be able to give something back and support them was something very close to my heart.
‘Having bonded closely with the team, training in all kinds of weather – nothing could have prepared us for the challenge that lay ahead.’
Sheila added: ‘I speak for the whole team when I say that this is a personal achievement to be extremely proud of, as it was definitely more challenging than we all expected.
‘A big heartfelt thank you to all those who kindly supported us and by doing so helped us to raise funds in excess of what we set out to achieve – friends, family, staff and colleagues all contributed.’
Margaret Simpson, chief executive of Hospice Isle of Man speaking on accepting the donations said: ‘We were deeply touched when presented with this amazing amount, as it had been kept a surprise for us until the actual presentation.
‘To say we were stunned would have been an under-statement.
‘Huge congratulations and many thanks to Equiom and their supporters for raising such a significant amount and well done to the team on their fantastic achievement.’
The team, who completed the daunting challenge with Sheila and Larry, were James Horrigan, Robert Cattle, Mike McHale, Fiona Noon, Emma Corlett and Andy Wilson.
The Northern Hospice Recipe book is expected out in print at the end of November in time for the Christmas shopping season.