People First are an independent advocacy charity who stand shoulder to shoulder with people across the North of England to champion fairness and equality. They challenge the term 'vulnerable' by supporting people to understand their rights and to be heard when they need it most. They help people to live their lives the way they want to.
The Ullswater Way Challenge involved a 21mile hike around Ullswater which took in some stunning views and included around 900 metres of climbing. Starting from Glenridding at 7am on the 9th of July, the 9 members of team Borderway were joined by friends and family and completed the walk just after 5pm. It was a great achievement by the team which resulted in a few blisters and sore legs the following day!
The team managed to hit their fundraising target raising £4,000 for People First. Jenny Strong, Account Manager, said “I was so proud to be involved in this year’s fundraiser for People First. The Borderway team and our newly extended family worked tirelessly to train and raise funds for a fantastic cause. At a time when the cost of living is rising, we were humbled that so many businesses, colleagues and friends were able to donate.”
Natalie Bingham, Fundraising Officer at People First, joined the Borderway team on the walk and said “We couldn’t be more grateful to the team at Borderway Finance for their continued support of People First. Their enthusiasm and passion throughout was admirable, even when the going got a little bit tough and those aches and pains started to hit! They never let it stop them, if anything it made them more determined to finish, crossing that finish line together as a team.
It was a fantastic day and to raise £4,000 is absolutely incredible. Well done to the whole team, family, friends and other colleagues who helped make their fundraising goal a reality.”
People First also works closely with local businesses in our area to help young people with learning disabilities into employment, they do this through their Hospitality Academy.
Shortly after the Ullswater Way Challenge, People First held their very first awards and graduation evening to help celebrate those learners who have achieved a number of qualifications and graduated from People First.
Borderway were delighted to be asked to sponsor the event and were in attendance on the evening, along with some colleagues from the Cumberland Building Society and guests from businesses in the local area.
After presenting some of the learners with their award, Sales and Marketing Manager Matthew Dodd said “It really was an honour and privilege to be asked to support People First at their very first awards evening. It was a fantastic event and seeing the joy and happiness it’s brought to the learners during the evening was infectious.
"People First do amazing work in the local area, supporting young people and we’d encourage anyone who wants to know more to reach out to this wonderful organisation and look forward to working with them for many years to come.”