SAILING: The team celebrates at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy Olympic rings after finishing a sponsored London to Weymouth relay in aid of Chesil Sailing Trust and Sense. They are pictured with Portland mayor Cllr Susan Cocking (PICTURE: DSM HEAD OF VISUAL PAUL COLLINS)
Dedicated fundraisers from a real estate investment management company hope to hit the £20,000 mark after a grueling 160-mile London to Portland challenge.
The 15-strong team from Knight Frank Investment Management braved driving wind and rain on the epic run and cycle to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
Proceeds will be split between the Chesil Sailing Trust (CST), which is based at the academy, and the national disability charity Sense.
The fundraisers were cheered into the academy by a welcoming committee, including Portland mayor Susan Cocking and CST trustees.
John Tweed, who is chairman of the CST, said: “The team braved some atrocious weather conditions to raise a magnificent amount of money.
“Every penny will be spent to give young, disadvantaged and disabled people the chance to get out on to the water.
“It will really help what we do and we are incredibly grateful to all at Knight Frank Investment Management for their tremendous support.”
The team smashed their initial £10,000 target, which they aim to have doubled by the time fundraising closes.
FINISH LINE: The team at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy finishing the Knight Frank sponsored London to Weymouth relay in aid of CST and Sense (PICTURE: DSM HEAD OF VISUAL PAUL COLLINS)
They cycled from London to start the 24 hours fundraiser before grabbing a few hours’ sleep and then hitting the road again at 3.30am. Five hours later they met runners who slogged the final 15 miles along the coast.
Kevin Aitchison, who is chief executive of Knight Frank Investment Management, said: “The weather was absolutely shocking, especially for the cyclists but it was all worth it in aid of two great charities.”
Naeman Symonds-Baig, corporate partnerships manager at Sense, added: “Our congratulations and thanks to all at Knight Frank Investment Management for doing something so incredible.”
The Chesil Sailing Trust is based at the sailing academy and is funded entirely by voluntary donations.
JUMP: The final member of the team crosses the line at the National Sailing Academy, finishing the Knight Frank sponsored London to Weymouth relay in aid of Chesil Sailing Trust and Sense (PICTURE: DSM HEAD OF VISUAL PAUL COLLINS)
Its popular Rod Shipley Sail for a Fiver scheme has given more than 22,500 children the chance to enjoy half-day taster sessions. It has also supported numerous sailing related projects.
KFIM, based in the City of London, is the real estate investment management arm of property services giant Knight Frank, which has more than 400 offices worldwide.
National disability charity Sense was founded more than 60 years ago and helps change the lives of children, young people and adults with complex disabilities.
Sponsorship donations can still be made here.
