Despite the weather forecast looking less than favourable, it stayed dry and far warmer than last year for the Team HPP to step up for Maggie's 5K Walk/Run, as part of our fundraising efforts to mark this year's World Cancer Day (4th Feb). And this year turned out to be the most successful to date, with a staggering £1,207.75 raised for Maggie's Cancer Centre in Oldham.
Over 40 HPP staff from across the business, family members and even some four-legged friends turned out to cover the 5 kilometre (3 mile) route in Alexandra Park on the doorstep of our Oldham HQ.
For some, it was the chance to run the route of the 5k Park Run held in the park every Saturday, while for others, the pace was a little more sedate, providing a chance to chat while strolling in the fresh air.
Maggie's Centre in Oldham is part of a UK-wide and overseas network of cancer support hubs, giving cancer patients, their families and friends practical, emotional and social support.
Practical advice includes money worries, nutrition, exercise, wills and legacies, while emotional support includes dealing with a diagnosis, handling treatment, and dealing with stress.
Social support connects patients, friends and family with others in a similar situation, while carers young and old can seek help too.
Marketing Manager, Kenika Gumbs, heaped praise on those who joined in for the fundraising event: "A massive thank you to all involved.
"It was an opportunity for us to come together as a community to support a cause that touches so many lives - as many of us know first-hand."
Kenika adds: "Maggie's Centres provide vital support to individuals and families affected by cancer, offering a place of comfort, understanding, and hope. Knowing this made each step we took that much more meaningful."
This is the third year in a row we have supported Maggie's 5k challenge... and no doubt we'll be back again next year in an attempt to beat our fundraising total this time round!