Local employees run for Macmillan

Over 100 employees from npower’s Solihull office took part in 5k and 10km fun runs in Tudor Grange Park on Wednesday 16th May to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, npower’s charity partner of 14 years.

During the run, which is in its 7th year, the teams raised £3,000 for Macmillan, which npower matched pound for pound, taking the grand total to £6,000.

Each runner completed an impressive 6,600 steps for the 5km circuit – or a whopping 13,200 steps along the 10km route to raise funds.

Before the race, npower’s Commercial and Marketing director Andy Wiggans spurred the runners on, by giving an inspiring speech and explaining why the fundraising was for such a good cause.

He said: ‘‘Macmillan is very close to my heart. My Mum died last year and it was a really tough time for me and my brothers. We don’t think we would have got through it had it not been for the Macmillan nurses”.

“They did an extraordinary job in taking care of those things that we didn’t have the time, inclination or the knowledge to do. We were just able to spend those last few weeks with our Mum; it was a really special and important time for us”.

npower’s Michael Branson was the first man to cross the 5km finishing line in 20 minutes and 23 seconds.

He said: ‘’I know from experience that Macmillan does a very important job – and really well, so it was an easy decision to take part in today’s event. It was great to see so many people taking part!”

Laura McNamee was the first lady to finish the same route, completing it in 24 minutes and 26 seconds.

She said: “Although I’m delighted to win (my face might have suggested otherwise), the best bit was my entire team either running or walking to support such a great cause”

Paul Evans won the 10km race in 38 minutes and 46 seconds with Heather Bills heading up the ladies in 44 minutes.

Heather said: “After winning the first lady past the finishing line last year, the pressure was really on to keep up the pace! I’m just so glad to be part of such a worthwhile cause”.

Catrin Hale, Senior Partnership Development Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s fantastic that so many npower employees took up this challenge and raised £6,000 for Macmillan.

“The number of people living with cancer in the UK is rising and so we greatly appreciate the continued dedication of employees at npower. The money raised will allow Macmillan to continue providing vital practical, emotional and personal support. Thank you!”

npower and Macmillan have been working together for over 14 years and have helped more than 34,000 families with cancer keep warm without worrying about the cost. npower’s Macmillan Fund caps energy bills and writes off debt for eligible customers who are living with cancer and npower also supports Macmillan’s Energy Advice Team, which offers help and guidance for people, regardless of their energy supplier.

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by cancer or would like more details about npower’s Macmillan Fund, please call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 0000 (Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm).

Alternatively, if you would like more information on what npower does to support Macmillan, please visit npower.com/Macmillan.