Staff at the Gateshead branch of Stannah Lifts Distribution and Service are among colleagues nationwide taking part in a company-wide indoor cycling relay to raise funds for charities, and to highlight the work of local hospices. The Gateshead team has completed 335.42 miles so far as part of the 4,000-mile challenge that will see an exercise bike travel between service branches around Britain.
Fundraising for Alice House Hospice
The Gateshead branch chose Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool as their nominated charity. Employees have raised £380, which Stannah has matched, bringing the branch total to £760. The national challenge involves more than 700 colleagues across 11 service branches who are accumulating miles on an indoor bike to cover a full lap of Britain.
“The hospice is well known in Hartlepool for the fantastic work they do looking after people and their families in a time of need. I nominated this charity because of the exceptional care they gave my wife’s grandfather before he passed. It was a great benefit to our family knowing that the little time he had left was made better by the lovely staff,”
The comment above was made by Steven Wainwright, Field Service Manager at the Gateshead branch, reflecting why staff selected Alice House Hospice — a charity that provides specialist care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Progress and local involvement
Gateshead’s contribution forms part of the company target of 4,000 miles, an effort Stannah has translated into an evocative equivalent of 1.28 million lift journeys to underline its core business and the collective effort. At the time of reporting the Gateshead branch reported just over 710.05 miles remaining to reach an apparent branch target related to the relay segment they are responsible for.
- Gateshead branch miles cycled: 335.42
- Funds raised by Gateshead staff: £380 (company matched to £760)
- Company-wide goal: 4,000 miles across 11 branches
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Gateshead miles completed | 335.42 |
| Gateshead miles remaining | 710.05 |
| Company target | 4,000 miles |
The Gateshead event drew staff and local representatives, including the branch office manager Julie Lumley and Deputy Mayor Councillor Michelle Merrin, who were present alongside colleagues such as Gill Parker from Alice House Hospice and other local participants.
Why it matters locally
Alice House Hospice depends substantially on charitable donations to provide palliative care and family support. The Gateshead branch’s fundraising contributes directly to those services and also raises awareness across Stannah’s workforce about the impact of local hospice care. The relay format — an exercise bike moving between branches — enabled staff to take part regardless of their usual field duties while creating a shared sense of purpose across the business.
As the challenge continues, the Gateshead team aim to contribute further miles and to boost their fundraising total. The combined effort across all branches will determine whether the company completes the equivalent of a lap of Britain while supporting local charitable causes.
