Trust staff raise money for charity and stay healthy at work

Oct. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- For the second year running, staff at Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust are taking part in the Norvic Challenge triathlon to raise money for two charities; El Shaddai in India and Just Children Foundation in Zimbabwe. Both charities look after children in orphanages providing food, clothes, a safe place to live, and education to break the cycle of poverty.

Last year the triathlon raised £2,746 with 24 triathlon competitors, this year there will be 60 members of staff taking part so it is hoped that the funds raised for charity will be increased.

The Norvic Challenge takes place on Saturday 16th October and starts at 2pm with an eight mile cycle ride from the Norvic clinic to Salhouse Broad. Once at Salhouse Broad the teams will run a mile around the grounds of the Broad and then canoe half a mile to complete the triathlon.

Trust staff enter the triathlon in teams of three and there are trophies for the fastest team, fastest veterans (combined age 120), fastest super vets (combined age 150), valiant losers (last placed team), but the biggest prize is for the team that raises the most for the charities.

Norvic challenge organiser, Gary Greenwald and modern matron at Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said:

“It is a fun event which is perfect for those looking for something to motivate them to lose a few pounds and get some more exercise, it is most certainly not a serious event. Most importantly it raises money for the charities.

“Trust staff Tony and Sharon Freeman have a very personal relationship with El Shaddai, as they have been to India eight times and worked with the charity. They know that every penny spent goes to the children because they see the work firsthand. I have been raising money for Just Children Foundation for a few years now as the money we raise helps orphaned children in a part of the world with extremely low life expectancy and where street children are vulnerable to terrible abuse.”

The event is supported once again by Salhouse Broad and the Canoe Hire Association that kindly allow the Norvic Challenge to use their facilities for free.

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Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of specialist services that are dedicated to the care and recovery of anyone experiencing mental ill health or substance misuse issues across Norfolk and north Suffolk.