Colleagues from two Milton Keynes-based companies have marked the success of a springtime fundraising drive after raising £26,656 for Brain Research UK following their participation in the London Marathon.
Local team exceeds ambition
Five employees from IMSERV, which is based in Milton Keynes, joined EXL runner Naval Khanna to take on the 26.2-mile challenge in April. The group set out with a combined fundraising target of £10,000, which was not only met but more than doubled thanks to donations from colleagues, customers, partners, friends and family.
A presentation was held in Milton Keynes to acknowledge the effort and hand over the cheque. The event included a visit from Sophie Hopkins of Brain Research UK, who spoke to staff about the charity’s work funding research into neurological conditions.
- Participants: Jo Cox, Emma Askar, Ewan Patrick and Mark Gallagher (IMSERV) and Naval Khanna (EXL).
- Event: London Marathon in April.
- Funds raised: £26,656 against an original target of £10,000.
Why the funds matter locally
Brain Research UK supports scientific work into neurological conditions. At the presentation Sophie Hopkins explained how donations contribute directly to research funding and long-term projects aimed at improving outcomes for people living with brain disorders. The visit offered staff an opportunity to hear at first hand how their fundraising translates into research activity.
“Every pound spent on brain research brings us closer to a world where everyone with a neurological condition lives better, longer - and that’s exactly what Team IMSERV have helped to make possible.”
The runners also reflected on their training and the marathon itself. Emma Askar, IMSERV’s chief of staff, said that winter training and long runs were difficult but the growing donations and the charity’s support sustained her through the preparation. Jo Cox, IMSERV’s chief executive and a member of the team, described the cheque presentation as a proud moment after months of collective effort.
Local businesses and community engagement
The fundraising demonstrates the role local employers play in supporting national charities while also building staff morale and community links. For IMSERV and EXL, the initiative combined workplace camaraderie with public-spirited fundraising, drawing support from a network that included customers and partners as well as colleagues and family members.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Original fundraising target | £10,000 |
| Amount raised | £26,656 |
| Event | London Marathon (April) |
Those involved said they were grateful for the broad base of support that made the result possible. The presentation in Milton Keynes culminated months of preparation, training and local fundraising activity, and underlined how regional workplaces can contribute to national research efforts through staff-driven initiatives.
