Pictured above: (l-r) Tim Fawkes of 3t, Sadie Pollard of 3t, Kate Golding from Rainbows, Claire McCreery of 3t and David Bannister of 3t 

Staff at a Leicestershire company were presented with a token of appreciation by Rainbows Children's Hospice this week in recognition of their fundraising achievements. Members of transport management company 3t (www.3t-europe.com) were presented with an engraved glass brick at the hospice's new wing earlier this month (July).

The company's most recent endeavour was a 400 mile walk in the peak District in June which saw 16 members of staff from 3t, plus family and friends tackle the precipitous route, totalling a team distance of 400 miles. The 12.5 mile route included 1355 feet of ascent.

The walk was the culmination of a series of fundraising initiatives which have taken place over the past three years in aid of the hospice and Cancer Research. Events have included the 18 mile, 10 peak Lakeland Challenge, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, a 23 mile trek over some of the highest peaks in Yorkshire, plus a quiz night and an event involving the company director, stocks and some wet sponges. The walk raised over £1 850 for Rainbows and brought the three year total to over £7,300.

"The Rainbows Children's Hospice is such a fantastic cause that our staff were happy to give up their time to raise money," comments Tim Fawkes, Business Development Director at 3t. "Three particularly enthusiastic participants ran the course and completed the route in 2.5 hours!"

In true British tradition, the group encountered all forms of weather, from glorious sunshine to wind, heavy showers and hailstones. "It was a great effort, and was completed in good humour by everyone despite the periods of bad weather," adds Tim. "The children who took part deserve a special mention, the youngest being only nine years old."

Rainbows is the East Midlands' only hospice for children and young people providing a range of services including respite care, counselling and end of life care. Based in Loughborough, the hospice costs around £4.1 million a year to run and is reliant on benefactors, donations and fundraising.

"It was a very humbling experience when some of our staff were invited to the informal unveiling ceremony at Rainbows. It is a truly uplifting place that carries out an essential service for families across the East Midlands," comments Tim. "We are delighted to have played a small part in supporting such a valuable community resource."

3t advise companies on transport management systems and have a portfolio of international clients including Linpac and JCB. Based in Enderby with subsidiary offices in France and Spain, 3t employs 50 staff at its Leicestershire offices.  

Anyone who is interested in supporting the 3t fundraising initiative for rainbows Children's Hospice can donate by visiting the 3t Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/3tlakelandchallenge.