Portsmouth staff to cycle, run and sail in aid of Raise the Roof appeal for The Elizabeth Foundation

09 April 2008

Almost 50 staff from Groupama Insurances in Portsmouth are training hard for a day of cycling, running and sailing in and around the town on Saturday 19th April. The challenging 'triathlon with a twist' has been organised to support local charity, The Elizabeth Foundation, which works with pre-school deaf children. All money raised will go towards the Raise the Roof Appeal to pay for a new facility at The Elizabeth Foundation's Hampshire Family Centre. The triathlon is hoping to raise £5,000 for the charity and Groupama has promised to double the amount staff raise.

The Groupama triathlon will start with a gruelling 10 mile cycle route via Portsdown Hill, to Cosham, followed by a 5 mile run from the Elizabeth Foundation office in Cosham to Gunwharf Quays on the coast. The teams will then sail rather than swim the last leg from Gunwharf Quays - out around the fort - and to the finish back at Port Solent.

Groupama has had great support from local businesses to support the event and make it possible. Gunwharf Quays has donated free berths for the boats, as well as access to its gym facilities, so that the teams can get changed. Sunsail has also generously donated skippers and the boats for the final leg which will make a spectacular end to the race.

"This is certainly going to be a challenge for those taking part – even for the fittest amongst us!" said Nicola Browell who manages the Groupama Centre in Port Solent "The Elizabeth Foundation was selected by staff as the chosen charity for the event based on first hand experience of their wonderful work. We are not only raising money to assist in the construction of their new facility, but a team of staff will be involved in giving practical support to help them pack and move into their portakabins prior to the work commencing. We have had support from all levels within our business and it is great that so many people are giving their time for such a deserving cause."

Alison Robinson, Fundraising Manager of The Elizabeth Foundation adds: "We are delighted that Groupama Insurances has chosen to support the Elizabeth Foundation with such a stretching challenge. Every person taking part should be proud of their involvement. We will certainly be there to cheer them on."

Nicola Browell of Groupama concludes, "At Groupama we take our responsibility as a local employer very seriously with regular fundraising activities for local charities. This Groupama triathlon is just the latest way for us to give something back to the local community. We're hoping to see lots of friendly faces along the route to cheer us on and through each participant's sponsorship we plan to raise a serious amount of money for The Elizabeth Foundation."

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April 2008