M&S staff walk miles for St Giles

Feb 19 2008

KIND-hearted department store staff in Tamworth have collected thousands of pounds for a hospice.

The 10 workers from Marks & Spencer raised a total of £2,116 from two walking events for the St Giles Hospice, based in Lichfield.

The staff, who wore pyjamas for a 12-mile midnight walk, also spent a week clocking up their in-store miles on a pedometer.

Donations and sponsorships from both events raised £1,058, which was then doubled by the company's head office.

Sharon Profit, customer assistant who organised the events, said: "Most people you speak to in Tamworth have either had family members cared for by St Giles Hospice or know someone who has been looked after there.

"My fellow volunteers were keen to get involved in fund-raising and certainly rose to the challenge. "

During the Miles for St Giles week staff were sponsored for each mile they walked.

"Things got quite competitive between us and I'm sure some people were walking to the store room a few more times than they needed to!" said Sharon.

Helen Relihan, St Giles' head of fund-raising, said: "St Giles Hospice provides high quality medical and nursing care for local people. We are extremely grateful to all the team at M& S Tamworth."