Hitachi Construction Machinery UK: Climbing for a Cause

On August 30^th & 31^st, Hitachi Construction Machinery UK proudly supported a team of brave employees whilst they took on the National Three Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales covering a total walking distance of 23 miles and a total ascent of 3064 metres, to raise funds for 3 different charities, MS Research and Relief Fund, British Heart Foundation, and Sobell House.

The team of 10 employees, including Stephen Dobson, Joseph Williamson, Heidi O’Connor, Erin Kirby, Caroline Blackett, Joel Morris, Allan Fotheringham, Marshall Hall, David Wilson and Aaron Pearson, showed incredible determination and teamwork as they battled through challenging weather conditions while taking on the Three Peaks Challenge. Their dedication and perseverance throughout the journey were nothing short of inspiring.

At HCMUK, ‘People’ is one of their core values and they are committed to empowering employees in an engaging, diverse and rewarding workplace. This initiative reflects HCMUK’s values of Integrity and People, highlighting the company’s belief in supporting local communities and enabling their teams to make a positive impact in the lives of others. To further this commitment, HCMUK donated £200 to each of the employees’ chosen charities.

Additional support came from one of Hitachi’s suppliers, Industrial Workwear, a workwear, uniform and PPE supplier based in Consett, County Durham. They generously donated branded t-shirts for the team to wear during the challenge.

Stephen Dobson, Product Training Manager and organiser of HCMUK’s Three Peaks Challenge shared, “What started as a simple idea in my head – the Three Peaks Challenge – quickly grew arms and legs… and hiking boots!

I chose to support MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF) because I was genuinely moved during a presentation I attended. As it happens, I’m a Freemason, and I was there when the Northumberland Freemasons presented the MSRRF with a cheque for £4,000. During the handover two representatives from the charity shared heartfelt testimonies from people attending Benmar House in Morpeth who are currently living with MS (Multiple Sclerosis).

Their stories really struck a chord with me. I left that day feeling inspired and determined to do something meaningful and that’s how the Three Peaks Charity Challenge was born.”

Joseph Williamson, Product Trainer, commented, “When Stephen asked me to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Even with plenty of training under my belt nothing truly prepares you for the real thing, especially when you’re battling relentless rain and strong winds.

Despite the tough conditions and serious lack of sleep, everyone showed incredible resilience and determination. It was genuinely inspiring to see the team dig deep and support each other throughout.

I’m really proud of what we achieved and especially grateful for the amazing amount we raised for charity. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us, it means a lot!”

Heidi O’Connor, Service Delivery Manager, also commented, “If you told me one year ago that we would be taking on this challenge I would have laughed, but here we are 6 months since starting our small Hiking group which takes place every two weeks and has been amazing and extremely enjoyable, getting out together and not only challenging ourselves but also being able to have fun together whilst keeping fit.

The Peaks was far tougher than I could have ever imagined as the weather was not our friend, it was a struggle, and injuries did happen, but the group were strong and so supportive to ensure that nobody was left behind and if we didn’t laugh, we would have cried.

Huge thank you to Stephen for arranging it as it couldn’t have been easy, but he pulled it out of the bag!

Will I do it again? Definitely not, but I’m pleased that we raised a lot of money for a great charity.”

The team collectively raised a grand total of £4,395, distributed across the three chosen charities as follows:

·         MS Relief and Research Fund - £2,900

A national registered charity dedicated to supporting people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Based in the Northeast, MSRRF provides a number of free services, outreach support and grant assistance across the UK.

·         British Heart Foundation - £910

At the forefront of cardiovascular research, the BHF has helped to halve annual deaths from heart disease in the UK. Their vision is a world where everyone enjoys a healthier heart for longer.

·         Sobell House Hospice Charity - £585

Providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults in Oxfordshire, Sobell House supports patients and their families with compassion and dignity. Founded in 1976, it remains on the UK’s earliest modern hospices.

Well done to everyone involved! Your commitment and effort will have a lasting impact on those supported by those fantastic charities.