The Corporate and Community Fundraiser at a Northamptonshire charity that supports older people and adults with disabilities is belatedly celebrating his 60th birthday by completing a 60km fitness fundraising challenge.
Nick Hayton is the Corporate and Community Fundraiser at Rushden-based Serve, which has recently become a member of the Wellingborough and East Northants Chamber of Commerce. He will complete 20km worth of fitness activities per day, for three consecutive days, starting February 22nd. Activities will include swimming, rowing, running, cycling and cross training.
Hoping to raise more than £1000, Nick’s JustGiving page has already received more than £790 worth of donations. All money raised will go towards providing well-being activities and befriending services in North Northants for vulnerable older people in the community.
The 60-year-old said: “Being recently appointed as the Corporate and Community Fundraiser at Serve, I feel that it is important to show my commitment to a very worthy charity supporting older people to be independent.
“It’s important to fly the flag and to show that if I expect others to take on fundraising challenges, then I’ll also do it myself.”
He continued: “I thought using the fitness challenge to celebrate my 60th birthday would be a great opportunity to raise funds and generate some awareness for Serve and the amazing work we do. This is a new position and it is very important to build links with business not just for funding but for volunteering and professional support.”
No stranger to fundraising, the fitness enthusiast has previously taken part in challenges such as the London Marathon, The Great North Run, and a triathlon. He has also helped organise community events including skydives, climbing Mount Snowdon, and race nights.
Discussing his preparation for the challenge, Nick said: “Since before Christmas I have adopted an intensive training programme. I have been training five days a week, whether it be swimming, rowing running, cycling, or cross training.”
The keen fundraiser would like to especially thank Corby Holiday Inn, Kettering Park Hotel and Spa and Rushden Splash Pool for letting him use their facilities and thank the sponsors supporting Serve; Ace Furniture, TelfordMann, Ironstone Wellbeing Centre, and Scotts of Thrapston.
Established in 1981, Serve support independence for older people in the North Northamptonshire community by offering community transport, wellbeing activities, domestic care, personal care, support services, day and activity centre and carers needs and aspirations.
Nick added: “Last year was Serve’s 40th anniversary but there has been little-to-no opportunity to celebrate or fundraise over the past few years. We currently have 59 employees and 100 volunteers but are always open to welcoming new volunteers, particularly for our befriending service.”
Launched last year, volunteers are recruited and trained before being matched to a ‘befriendee’ (vulnerable older person).
The service aims to reduce loneliness and isolation in older people so that they can comfortably remain living independently. Befriending takes place either face-to-face or over the phone.
This year, Serve is launching ‘Servescape’ throughout North Northamptonshire using funding from The Big Lottery. The initiative will support older people to look after their gardens, for example lawn mowing and weeding.
Nick’s Corporate and Community Fundraiser position was specially created to develop Serve’s connections and relationships with businesses.
Nick said: “I am pleased to be appointed as Corporate and Community Fundraiser as I think it is important for business and charity to work together and especially after the last two years it is essential to help generate funds. If anyone or a business has any fundraising ideas or events, please do contact me.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Nick can do so by visiting his JustGiving page. Anyone wishing to support the charity or discuss potential fundraising ideas should email Nick at nick.hayton@serve.org
Find out more about Serve here or call 01933 315555.