Sporting staff at Luke Evans Bakery in Derbyshire have raised more than £700 for charity after taking part in a 10k race.
The team featured operations director Helen Waterfall, Craig Storer, who works in despatch, assistant shop manager Gemma Smith and her husband Chris Smith, who’s a driver, and Judith Gration, daughter of a retired Luke Evans employee.
The event at Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire, also gave Luke Evans Bakery the chance to unveil the new company logo emblazoned on their t-shirts.
Staff chose Breast Cancer Research and the charity that helps those affected by the rare cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) as the beneficiaries of their fund-raising run.
Gemma’s mum Jayne Taylor, 49, who lives in Codnor Park, Derbyshire, underwent a major 11-hour operation in 2008 after being diagnosed with PMP. A rare form of cancer, which usually starts in the appendix or other parts of the bowel, the ovary or bladder, it also affects other organs and Jayne lost a number of key internal organs as a result of surgery for the condition, including her gall bladder, spleen and part of her liver.
She is currently in remission, and has annual check-ups to keep a close eye on her health.
Jayne’s partner Peter Bailey also joined the Luke Evans Bakery team, who competed in the Sherwood Pines 10k trail race.
For most of the group, apart from Judith and Helen, it was their first attempt at conquering the distance.
“It was a wonderful team effort from all the staff at Luke Evans Bakery. The support we received was overwhelming and really kept us going. Pseudomyxoma Survivor and Breast Cancer Research are both charities that are very close to our hearts and we’re glad we could do our bit to raise money and awareness,” said Helen.
The bakery, based at Riddings, near Alfreton, which was founded in 1804, used the occasion to unveil the firm’s new logo. Helen said: “We wanted a new logo to reflect what we stand for, a forward-thinking business, providing high quality craft bakery products while still being loyal to our 200-year-old heritage.”
First to cross the finishing line was Judith, who was the ninth woman to complete the distance – completing the challenge in 46 minutes and 18 seconds. She was followed by Helen, Craig, Chris, Gemma and Peter.
“I was really proud of them all,” said Jayne.
The share of the money in support of those affected by PMP is going to the Pseudomyxoma Survivor charity, which was founded by Dawn Green in 2010. Jayne met Dawn while the pair were in hospital in Basingstoke and has previously supported the good cause with a charity fashion show.
Luke Evans Bakery, which was founded in 1804, sells direct to the public from its shop in Greenhill Lane and also supplies around 300 trade and wholesale customers across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire, including shops, cafes, schools, delis and Pride Park - the home of Derby County Football Club.
Fully trained craft bakers operate 24 hours a day turning out breads, cakes and savoury products from farmhouse loaves and bread rolls to fresh cream éclairs and iced buns.
For more information visit
http://www.lukeevans.co.uk/
Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR
http://perfect10pr.blogspot.co.uk/
