Every year I try to give something back to the community in the form of a charity event. Many of you supported me last year when I cycled over 300 miles from London to Paris and together with the my fellow team colleagues from Sainsburys raised over £10, 000 for Action Medical Research for Children. This money has gone towards research in reducing the high rate of premature births and to improve the treatment for sick children as well as supporting thousands of families across the UK in the daily challenge of raising children with disabilities.

 

So onto this years challenge……………

  

You may have heard that, in partnership with some of our suppliers, a number of us (in competing boats) will be rowing the English Channel - thankfully I will be well in front of the boat containing Siobhan Barnes! Arguably we could achieve this at the moment in the daily chore of getting to work amid the floods, gales and rain storms, however I/we are assured that the weather for the crossing on 11 August will be dry and fine (fat chance!!!).

 

Our aim is again to raise over £10,000 this time for AHOY, another very worthwhile children’s charity.

 

In the current economic climate everyone cuts back their spend and no more is this evident that in our own grocery sector; however I ask that we also spare a thought for the thousands of charities that rely on our generosity to support their individual causes. As we see people cut back on their grocery spend in times like these we also see people cut back on their contribution to charitable organisations in a time when many more people less fortunate than ourselves are in need to that extra support.

 

The AHOY Centre provides life changing water activities and a community for adults and young people, whether able-bodied or disabled. AHOY provides an environment free of labels or pre-conceptions, where people are free to grow. They also offer school activities as a special experience day or as part of an educational programme of activities supporting the National Curriculum. They use water based activities to break down social barriers and provide the opportunity to teach and train people to develop essential life skills, self confidence and pride.  There is a major focus on teamwork and personal development and through their existing and future courses and activities they provide the opportunity to build self-esteem, confidence and offer training vital to finding employment.