Whilst many of us are already erasing our New Year's resolutions, the team at Leeds digital agency Ascensor are training hard for a gruelling off-road endurance event, to raise £7,200 for Action Medical Research.

Andrew Firth, MD of Ascensor explains “We’re busy preparing for an extremely challenging dawn to dusk triathlon-style event called Race the Sun, being held in the Brecon Beacons, currently scheduled for the end of March this year. We’re fielding four teams of four who - starting at sunrise - will cycle 55 miles, hike for 8 miles and canoe 2 miles, before sunset, racing against the sun.”

He adds: “We’re planning to raise valuable funds for Action Medical Research. They are a leading UK charity, funding vital research to help the diseases that devastate the lives of sick and disabled babies, children and young people.”

“With the help of donations, we are determined to make a real difference to children's lives and raise as much money for Action Medical Research as we can.”

Andrew says: “Our team has supported many charities over the years from raising money for good causes, to providing pro bono and subsidised services. We actively encourage our team to support causes that are close to their hearts, as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is very important to us.”

The challenging Race the Sun course includes cycling the route of the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal, followed by a 350-metre ascent to the highest point of the cycle route. Competitors then hike an 8-mile round trip of Pen Y Fan.

Following the hike, they return to their bikes for a 15-mile cycle through the town of Brecon and out towards Lake Langorse for a two-mile canoe course. The event is completed with an 11-mile bike ride to the finish line.

Despite lockdown restrictions, the Ascensor team are focused on their individual training plans.

Andrew says: “We have already received some generous sponsorship and are looking for additional support to achieve our target of £7,200.”