Undertakers take on charity climbing challenge

Co-op Funeralcare colleagues from Edlington, Doncaster and Greasbrough supported the British Red Cross by climbing Mount Snowdon as part of a fundraising campaign to combat loneliness and social isolation.

Melanie Rowland from Edlington, Jacqui Clifford from Doncaster and Karen Sansom from Greasbrough, were complete novices when it came to climbing, but were determined to do something which would challenge them physically and mentally, as well as raise funds for a worthy cause.

The trek took the team just over six hours, and once completed, they treated themselves to a picnic at the summit.

Their activity forms part of a wider effort by the Co-op to raise money in order to help tackle loneliness and social isolation across the UK, in partnership with British Red Cross.

Since the Co-op first linked up with the charity in 2015, the campaign has so far achieved over £2million.

Karen Sansom, funeral arranger from Greasbrough Co-op Funeralcare, commented: “We completed a few practice walks and went to the gym in preparation for this challenge, but we felt that this activity played to our strengths for working as a team the most.

“It was such a fantastic way of fundraising for a worthwhile cause.

“The whole atmosphere and spirit of the event was so inspiring as well as good fun, and we hope that these funds help to give much-needed support to people who feel isolated throughout the UK.”

Research by the Co-op indicates millions of people find it difficult to admit they feel lonely, and the partnership will enable many vulnerable people to be reached.

Tracey Crich, Senior Community Fundraiser for the British Red Cross, added: “We'd like to thank the ladies from Co-op Funeralcare for their fantastic fundraising efforts.

“Climbing a mountain is certainly an unusual and strenuous way of raising money, but it will all go towards some very deserving people.

“Loneliness is an issue that impacts on thousands of people every day, and we hope that more people have the drive to complete incredible events like these.”