Dozens of creative, marketing and digital agencies across the North West have teamed up to raise thousands of pounds for the NHS - by running a marathon between each business.
Spearheaded by Oli Hopkinson, joint founder of digital marketing agency, Bind, and supported by the Agency Leaders Network, the initiative hopes to raise £10,000 which will be split between Forever Manchester and the Manchester University NHS Trust.
£5,000 is the target for the agency group’s Just Giving page, which will be matched by the Hoppy Trust to make up the full amount.
The event will take place on May 7.
Forever Manchester is helping the city’s most vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak with food banks, mental health initiatives and check-ins for older people or anyone who needs a helping hand.
The money raised for the Manchester University NHS Trust will be used to buy tablets for patients to speak to loved ones.
Each agency will assemble a team who will run the marathon between them in a relay-style race on the same day.
Progress will be tracked and proven using a running app, and all participants will have to submit their times and distance with a screen shot.
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Oliver said: “The effects of lockdown are being felt far and wide. We wanted to launch an initiative to support those in greatest need of help and to encourage folks to reach out to one another.
“As a proud Mancunian, Forever Manchester is a charity close to my heart and the Hoppy Trust is doing some amazing work to support those directly affected by this terrible illness, including raising money for the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
“We’d love for more agencies and businesses to get involved and make this initiative even bigger. Join us! Be a force for good for those who may be struggling with lockdown and compete in our race.
"If you don’t want to run, donate money via our Just Giving page, or donate an old tablet to the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. If any business leaders would like to submit a team and get running, they can contact me via agencyleadersnetwork@gmail.com.
“The winning team will receive a pack of party rings and have nationwide bragging rights. The losing teams will receive positive vibes for getting involved, and for helping to raise some cash for those in need during this very difficult time.”
Steve Thompson, founder of the Agency Leaders Network and MD of Forward Role, said: “The Agency Leaders Network was created in 2019 with the idea of creating a community to share best practice, collaborate on projects or problems and be a force for good in the north west region."
"The group has grown quickly with over 50 agencies now involved across the creative, digital and marketing sectors. We are so proud to get behind the region with this initiative, so please dig deep to support us.”