Nigel Toplis, a leading champion of franchising, will be taking part in a charity mountain climb this December.
Toplis, who is managing director of the Bardon Group, which includes franchise brands Recognition Express and ComputerXplorers, is relishing the opportunity, and compares the 5,895m climb to the challenge franchising faces in the UK.
He says: “Despite the fact that franchised businesses contribute over £11billion a year to our economy, many in the UK still struggle to get their heads round franchising. All the members of the British Franchise Association work hard to help publicise the tremendous opportunities that buying a franchise can bring – to individuals, to businesses and to the wider economy. Now though, I would like them to get behind me in this fundraising climb to raise a significant amount of money for WellChild.
“I appreciate that many companies have their own designated charities, but it would be a really great gesture for the franchise community to support my trek as generously as possible.”
WellChild helps sick children and their families throughout the UK as they deal with the consequences of serious illness and complex conditions. The organisation’s mission is to reach as many children and young people as possible through focusing on care, support and research.
For Toplis, this will be the second time he has raised much-needed funds for children’s charities. Seven years ago with franchise lawyer John Pratt, he raised over £20,000 for the Why My Child appeal by cycling 360km round Cuba. The latest challenge will take 10 days, climbing the world-famous volcano via the Rongai route, which begins south of the Kenya-Tanzania border.
“The difference is that this time I am that bit older, but on the other hand I am not getting any younger either,” says Toplis. “Call it insanity or just plain stupid, but I welcome the challenge to push myself to the limit.
“I recognise how fortunate I am to be in a very good place, both personally and professionally, and wanted to do something meaningful to help others who are not as fortunate.”
Full publicity will be given by Toplis to any organisation or individual supporting his Kilimanjaro challenge.
Cheque donations (made payable to Well Child) should be sent to Janet Matthews, Recognition Express Limited, Unit 2, Cartwright Court, Forest Business Park, Bardon, Leicestershire LE67 1UB.
You can make an online contribution at Toplis’ JustGiving website: www.justgiving.com/Nigel-Toplis.