Leeds bosses take on 60-mile challenge to help children at Christmas

Three senior leaders at a Leeds energy company are preparing to walk around 60 miles to raise money for children facing hardship at Christmas.

Kieran Dixon, group managing director of Smarta Energy, group partnership director Scott Birley and chief executive Lee Jacques will set off from the company's Leeds office on Tuesday, November 3, heading for Manchester as part of its Leeds to Lapland fundraising challenge.

They aim to raise £10,000 for Cash for Kids' Mission Christmas appeal, which provides gifts for children and young people who might otherwise go without at Christmas.

The journey will cover approximately 60 miles (99km), with the team planning to combine running and walking to complete the challenge.

Kieran said: “Every child deserves to feel remembered at Christmas. We wanted to take on a challenge that would bring people together, raise awareness and make a meaningful contribution to the work Cash for Kids does for children and families in our communities.

“A mixture of running and walking from Leeds to Manchester will certainly push us, but that is exactly why we chose to do it. We hope our colleagues, clients, partners and friends will get behind us and help make every mile count.”

Lee said the Mission Christmas appeal provided vital support for families facing financial hardship.

He added: “This challenge gives us an opportunity to use our platform positively and help Cash for Kids reach more children.

“We are grateful for every donation and message of support. Whether people contribute financially, share the campaign or follow our progress, every show of support will help us move closer to our fundraising goal.”

As well as the walk, Smarta Energy is encouraging staff, clients and partners to donate gifts, raise money and volunteer in support of the appeal.

The company hopes its wider fundraising efforts will help it reach its £10,000 target.

People can donate to the challenge through the Smarta Energy fundraising page.