Ulster Bank colleagues are taking on an enduring challenge to raise much needed funds for the Northern Ireland Hospice.
Around 100 colleagues will commit to 40 hours of movement to mark 40 years of care at the hospice.
The endurance challenge will see teams take to the streets of Belfast for a sponsored walk throughout the day and hit a number of spin bikes within the bank’s Donegall Square east headquarters during the night.
The 40-hour stint will culminate with one final loop around Belfast City Centre on Friday afternoon where volunteers will be joined by a very special guest and friend of the Northern Ireland hospice, local actor James Nesbitt. Star of Bloodlands and The Missing will boost participants on the last leg of the challenge before gathering for a special celebration event at Belfast City Hall.
The challenge is being undertaken as part of Ulster Bank’s annual One Week in September campaign which is a huge fundraising drive for a local charity. Hundreds of colleagues from across the bank’s network of branches have been participating in events such as charity football matches, bake sales, cookery demonstrations and countless other activities in an effort to raise as much money as possible for this year’s chosen charity, the NI Hospice.
Matthew Palmer, Manager in the Belfast City Centre branch, said it was a cause everyone working in Ulster Bank was happy to get behind.
“Many of colleagues and team members have been supported by the NI Hospice in various different ways and so wanted to do what they could do give something back and ensure the organisation can continue with its great work.
“For 40 years the NI Hospice has been providing the highest quality of care, often during the most difficult times for local families, so moving for 40 hours felt like an appropriate challenge for our teams to take on.
“It’s been fantastic to work with the hospice and learn more about the great care they provide, and we hope our fundraising efforts will enable them to continue with this in the years to come.”
Bonnie MacRae, Corporate Fundraiser with the Northern Ireland Hospice said without the support of organisations such as Ulster Bank, it would not be able to continue to deliver vital care services.
“This year marks a significant milestone for our organisation so we are delighted to have this funding boost from Ulster Bank and have the support of so many colleagues and volunteers at this crucial time for the hospice.
“Like many charities, we are operating in really difficult times financially speaking so any help with fundraising is greatly appreciated and enables us to continue to deliver invaluable care and support to individuals and their families during their greatest time of need.
“We’re really looking forward to supporting Ulster Bank colleagues throughout this challenge and celebrating with them all at the finish line on Friday afternoon.”
In 2022, Ulster Bank’s One Week in September campaign raised over £80,000 for then charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support and teams will be hoping to meet this target again this year. Along with the walking challenge, local chef Jenny Bristow has been delivering Autumn Cookery demonstrations with all proceeds going to the bank’s fundraising drive for the hospice.
To learn more about the work of the NI Hospice or how you can support the organisation, visit www.nihospice.org