Milton Keynes marathon heroes smash fundraising target raising over £26k for brain charity
Running mates from two Milton Keynes companies have been celebrating a marathon effort resulting in raising more than £26k for Brain Research UK.
Five colleagues from IMSERV, based in Milton Keynes, and a team from EXL raised the funds after taking part in the London Marathon in April.
Jo Cox, Emma Askar, Ewan Patrick and Mark Gallagher from IMSERV and EXL's Naval Khanna took on the 26.2 mile challenge with an ambitious goal of raising £10,000. But thanks to overwhelming support from colleagues, customers, partners, friends and family, that target was more than doubled.
Yesterday, colleagues gathered to mark the achievement and recognise the dedication behind ‘Team IMSERV | EXL’. The celebration included a visit from Sophie Hopkins of Brain Research UK, who spoke to teams about the charity's vital work funding research into neurological conditions.
"Every pound spent on brain research brings us closer to a world where everyone with a neurological condition lives better, longer - and that’s exactly what Team IMSERV have helped to make possible," said Sophie.
The marathon runners also shared their own experiences from the day, reflecting on the challenges they faced and what motivated them to take part.
Emma Askar, IMSERV, chief of staff, said: "Training through the winter with long runs every weekend was very tough but seeing the donations growing and the incredible support from the charity really kept me going.”
The event concluded with the presentation of a cheque for the funds raised – a proud moment that capped off months of hard work and community support.
"A huge thank you to everyone who donated and cheered our runners on every step of the way. Together, we've helped make a meaningful contribution to life-changing brain research," said Jo Cox, IMSERV chief executive and marathon team member.