Birmingham-based chartered accountants JW Hinks have helped
raise £28,000 for Alzheimer's suffers by taking part in an
epic national Olympic-style challenge.
The "Not the Olympics 2012" charity campaign was organised by
the UK200Group of independent chartered accountancy firms, of which
the firm is a member.
Twenty-seven participating member firms were tasked with
relaying an Olympic-style torch across the country in imaginative
forms of transportation, finishing at the Olympic Stadium in London
on Thursday, 10 November.
The torch began it's mammoth journey in Perth, Scotland in May
and has criss-crossed the country visiting cities and towns
including Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Hull, Derby, Birmingham, Cardiff,
Newton Abbott, Jersey, Southampton, Stevenage before arriving at
the View Tube in the Olympic Park.
Awaiting the torch's arrival in London was ITV's sports
presenter Matt Smith, an ambassador of Alzheimer's Society.
Innovative forms of transport have included a microlight,
horsebox, vintage car, vintage trucks, tractors and a tandem
bicycle.
Having received the torch at their Edgbaston office on July 1
from marketing company JE Consulting, participating accountants at
JW Hinks took to the road on July 4 to transport the torch to the
next participating firm, Nicklin LLP in Halesowen.
Although it was just a hop, skip and jump to Halesowen, the
torch did however travel in style, in a 1934 Rolls Royce 20 no
less, which was kindly leant by a JW Hinks client, A.B Taylor
Wedding service of Quinton.
Managing Partner Paul Jones said: "We're delighted to have
played our part in helping to raise money for such a worthwhile
cause.
"The UK200Group selected the Alzheimer's Society because it
undoubtedly has the empathy of all member firms and is growing
problem which we believe should be given more awareness."
Ray Nash, area fundraising manager for the Alzheimer's Society
added: "We would like to thank the UK200Group for choosing the
Alzheimer's Society to benefit from it's epic challenge.
"It was an extremely innovative and exciting way to raise money
ahead of the 2012 Olympics."