Super computer team steps up for local children

The Russell WBHO team responsible for building the new Hartree Super Computing Centre has pledged support to Stick ‘n’ Step for the duration of the 18-month project.

And they’ve already planned their first fundraiser, a 34-mile trek along the Sandstone Trail on July 8^th which they intend to complete within a blister-inducing 12 hours.

The trek will be the first in a series of fundraising and practical activities that Russell WBHO will be undertaking, which will also include some maintenance work at the charity’s Tudor Hall centre in Runcorn.

Lee Mottram, senior project manager for the build, said the team was inspired to support Stick ‘n’ Step following a visit to site by charity fundraiser Jo Fowler.

Lee said: “Stick ‘n’ Step is a fantastic local charity helping children and their families in a very real and practical way. We know the money we raise will be spent directly in helping them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives and reach their full potential.

“Hearing about how they inspire and support so many families was very humbling and we very quickly had volunteers signing up for the trek which we hope will raise at least £3,000. We’ve also offered more practical support with some maintenance at their Runcorn base, and staff volunteering at their events.

“As a responsible contractor we always look for opportunities to work with the communities in which we work, to add value during the time we are there, and to support good causes. We will also be working with local schools to support their careers initiatives, and will be providing work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for local young people.”

Stick ‘n’ Step is already the nominated charity partner of Sci-Tech Daresbury, the innovation park where Russell WBHO is building the new super computing centre. As part of their partnership, Sci-Tech Daresbury works hard to raise much needed funds and awareness of the wonderful work of the charity.

Jo Fowler, pictured, was delighted to meet the Russell WBHO project team and is thrilled the company has chosen to support the charity further over the coming year: “Thank you to Russell WBHO for inviting me in to speak to the team and for your generous offer of support.

“We don’t receive any government funding and rely on fundraisers and corporate supporters to help raise the £750,000 we need to deliver our services to over 100 families each year. We provide personal support plans for each child which help to improve their mobility and communication skills, increasing their confidence and abilities so the young people can live their best possible life.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming some of the team to our base in Runcorn and running a session with the children, and we’re very grateful for the help they’ve offered with some of our building maintenance tasks. As for the fundraiser, completing the Sandstone Trail in 12 hours is no mean feat and we wish the team all the very best for the trek, £3,000 will go towards covering the costs of a child’s place (currently £7,000) at the Runcorn centre.

Stick ‘n’ Step provides free weekly conductive education sessions to disabled children and young people with cerebral palsy up to the age of 25, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives. The charity relies on supporters and volunteers to help raise the £750,000 required to deliver its services to over 100 families each year at its Wallasey and Runcorn centres. Find out more about the charity by visiting www.sticknstep.org.

The Sandstone Trail is one of the most popular long-distance walks in the North West, stretching 34 miles or 55 kilometres along Cheshire’s Sandstone Ridge from the ancient market town of Frodsham to Whitchurch in north Shropshire.

The Russell WBHO Team undertaking the trek comprises Lee Mottram, Matt Wilson, Jake Ogden, Joseph McHugh, Marcus Crawford, Colin Hindley, Gary Gardner, Jonathan Rhodes and James Brown. To support the team and Stick ‘n’ Step go to the fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/russellwbho

For more information on the Sandstone Trail visit: https://sandstonetrail.co.uk/