A big-hearted team from Leeds-based Fresh Thinking Capital are swapping their office desks for the peaks, valleys, summits and wild scenic views of the three peaks to raise funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

A team of eight staff from the specialist lender which supports business entrepreneurs are taking on the mountain of a challenge on 19th May.

They hope by stepping out they will raise £2,000 for the charity which helped care for the father of one of their team members.

Andrew Robertson, 25 from Leeds and relationship manager at the financial firm said, “The charity means a lot to me. It is that last hug you give your family member as they pass away. They are that comforting hug, giving families the support they need. It’s a wonderful charity. The nurses and staff are amazing.”

“When Fresh Thinking Capital asked for suggestions for their Charity of the Year I spoke about the support of Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice when my dad passed away from a terminal illness. Colleagues decided that the hospice would become the main charity which we would fundraise for.

“My main wish is that we can say thanks to the teams who looked after us. Sue Ryder is a charity close to my heart. It is an amazing charity that helps lots of families. To have my colleagues choose to support the charity I have such a connection to really means a lot to me.”

Joining Andrew scaling the Three Peaks this month are Rory Dolan, Courtni Cheeseman, Niall Conlon, Jon Bennett, Marie Nicholl, Andrew Walls and Mel Hird.

“People are starting to get a bit nervous about the challenge now,” added Andrew who has been training by walking the half-hour walk to and from work each day.

“We are really looking forward to it too – especially the team bonding we will get by taking on an 11-hour hike together. I am really looking forward to seeing the spectacular sights too.”

So far through sharing news of their upcoming challenge on LinkedIn, the team has raised an impressive £1236 and rising!

“I’d like to thank our professional network and introducers who have been donating and supporting us as well as all our friends and family. Your support means a lot to us and will spur us on up the mountains!”

“I’d also like to thank the fundraising team at Sue Ryder which has done a brilliant job of supporting us and getting us all going too.”

As part of its Charity of the Year with Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, Fresh Thinking Capital is aiming to raise £10,500 for local families needing the hospice’s specialist and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support.

In addition to the Three Peaks challenge the business is also planning a number of activities throughout the year to raise further funds for the charity.

Community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice said, “We’re so grateful for the team at Fresh Thinking Capital for their support in raising vital funds which will help us be there when it matters for local families. We’re looking forward to hearing how they get on with their Three Peaks Challenge and being with them every step of the way for their fundraising journey over the coming year.”