Surface World November 2019 Surface World November 2019 | Page 30

INDUSTRY NEWS raising much needed funds for a local charity. The team comprised experienced and first-time runners. Two of the runners, Vertik-Al’s production director, Andy Best and quality manager, Matthew Hill trained for over two months, running together whenever possible. Speaking during training, Andy Best said: “This is my first half marathon. I am enjoying the endorphin rush after training, but I must say, it hurts! Like Matthew, I am getting fit, losing weight and enjoying the discipline of training for such an exciting and worthwhile event. The level of sponsorship we have received so far is a great motivator, even when every body part aches!” The Vertik-Al team had set a fundraising target of £5000 – a figure that was surpassed as the runners crossed the line. As donations continued to come in in the days following the half marathon, the total raised reached £6,661, before being doubled thanks to the generosity of the company board. After completing the course in under two and half hours, Andy Best said: “It was a superb day, challenging yet exhilarating. The rain and a last-minute change to the route did little to dampen our spirits. The support was immense. We were cheered every step of the way. A few of us are a little sore today but we’re very pleased with our achievement. The early morning runs, aching limbs and blisters were all worth it especially when we know we smashed our fundraising target!” Group managing director, Angus Mackie said: “We are so proud of all the team and the huge amount of money raised for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. We’d also like to say a massive thank you to all our supporters – friends, family, colleagues, suppliers and customers. Their generosity, and that of our board of directors, will make a real difference to sick children and their families.” A spokesperson for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity said: “The total for raised for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity from the Great Birmingham Run stands at £94,625 – what an amazing result! The Vertik-Al team were by far the largest contributors to this fantastic sum, and we can’t thank you enough for everything you have done to help the 90,000 sick kids we treat at our hospital every year.” Telephone: [phone] Email: [email protected] Visit: www.vertik-al.com