Oxford home care franchise, Walfinch, announces 100 mile charity walk

The Oxford branch will be joined by colleagues in South Africa on its 100 mile fundraising walk for Cancer Research UK

Leaders from Walfinch home care’s office in Oxford have committed to raising money for Cancer Research UK by walking 100 miles in one month and have been joined by colleagues in South Africa. So far they have raised over £500 and donations are still coming in.

Amanda Keeler, Walfinch Compliance Manager and Nominated Individual for Walfinch’s Oxford branch, suggested the walk.

“I do something for charity every year and I chose Cancer Research UK in memory of my mum and my grandmother, who both died of lung cancer,” Amanda says. “I also have a friend who is a survivor of several types of cancer, so I want to raise more money for research that could help find new treatments or even a cure.”

Also taking part are Kam Gill, Walfinch Oxford franchisee, the branch’s Operations Manager Sarah Stanbrook, Walfinch Chief Executive Amrit Dhaliwal, and Franchise Support Managers Julie Farrow and Richard Stanfield.

But the team effort is not limited to the UK. Anine Steyne, Amrit’s PA, and Danielle Engelbrecht, Walfinch Accounts Co-ordinator, are both joining in the walking challenge from their homes in South Africa.

“When you have been in an office all day, it’s great to get out for a lunch time walk together, but even if it’s raining, we get up and do a bit of jogging or skipping round the desks,” Kam says. “Everyone joins in and it’s great fun – very appropriate because making work fun is one of Walfinch’s core values.”

For Sarah, the goal to walk 100 miles is motivating. “I walk two miles to and from work every day, as well as running around after my children so it’s not hard to clock up the miles – and I feel better for it,” she says.

Chief executive Amrit adds: “A charity fitness challenge like this is a great way to raise money for a good cause and benefit our physical and mental health. Technology means our team members can work remotely from anywhere, so it also reinforces the feeling of Walfinch being one big team – wherever we are.”

More details and the chance to donate at CRUK’s website.