A group of kind-hearted construction workers are preparing to get very messy this weekend – but it’s all in a good cause, to raise money for Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.
Ten Tilbury Douglas employees involved in the new c£40 million Urgent and Emergency Care Centre project at Walsall Manor Hospital are taking part in the 10km Spring Wolf Run this Saturday, April 23 at Offchurch Bury, near Leamington Spa in Warwickshire.
It’s the first time most members of the group have tried anything like this, and, with an age range from 23 to nearly 60, there’s a bit of trepidation in the camp as they prepare to negotiate the gruelling, ‘tough mudder’ style, six and a quarter mile course through thick mud, 10 obstacles, woods, lakes and fields.
Organisers say they have created ‘the ultimate 10km route over the 1,000-acre site which boasts some great natural features and stunning terrain’.
The workers’ initial target was to raise a minimum of £1,000 for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity, but more than £1,700 has already flooded into the coffers.
Preparations have gone well, with the group enduring hour-long gym sessions each week for the last two months.
Regional Operations Manager Tony Nicholls, who coaches youngsters at Tamworth Boxing Club, has been putting the team through its paces.
Senior Project Manager Lee Mason said: “Tony’s had us in the boxing ring, sparring against each other, which none of us have done before, so it’s been quite intense. But it’s been really good for our fitness and it’s got us well prepared.”
The youngest taking on the challenge is 23-year-old Mechanical Engineer Rachel Sutton, while Mechanical Supervisor Alex McDougall is in his late 50s and is the most senior member of the group.
As for why they chose to do such a gruelling challenge and raise money for Well Wishers, it sounds like a win-win.
“Building the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre and working for Tilbury Douglas, we promote health and wellbeing and we’re always trying to do things to improve our mental health,” added father of four Lee, 41 from Coseley.
“It’s brought us all closer together and everyone is driving each other on – we’ve been posting pictures to each other of us training and it’s really helped everyone.
“So we thought this would be a great challenge as a team-bonding exercise and it would raise money to help the local community as well. We have amazed ourselves with the amount raised so far, but of course would welcome even more!”
The 10 taking part are: Commercial Manager Bill Dugmore from Sutton Coldfield, Operations Manager Tony Nicholls from Tamworth, Lee Mason, Mechanical Engineer Rachel Sutton from Wolverhampton, Construction Manager Noel Fleming of Solihull, Electrical Engineer Phil Higgins of Dudley, Electrical Supervisor Adrian Hewitt of Redditch, Project Manager Andy Phillips of Nuneaton, Mechanical Supervisor Alex McDougall of Birmingham, Site Managers Gianni Ciavardoni of Walsall and Adam Bednall of Sutton Coldfield.
Tony said: “It’s been a privilege to be part of the team’s preparations for the event, now go and smash it!”
Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley said: “We’re delighted Tilbury Douglas have decided to raise funds for Well Wishers and wish them all the best on Saturday – we look forward to them coming in when they have recovered for an official cheque presentation!”
Anyone interested in donating, please click on the JustGiving link here: https://lnkd.in/dEG-QkXQ