A spirited team from a local business has embarked on a 34-mile journey from Leeds to the company’s headquarters in Sheffield, all while dressed as Smurfs characters, in support of Cancer Research. This charitable activity was spearheaded by employees of Olano, a division of apprentice-to-boardroom recruitment specialists, Nicholas Associates Group.
The fantastic four, Alex Norris, Ben Ibbotson, Rob Freeman, and Sheena Fraser, collectively known as ‘Team Smurf,’ managed to raise an impressive £1,500. This initiative was part of a broader companywide effort to contribute to Cancer Research, the chosen national charity for 2023.
Navigating a diverse route that encompassed main roads, trans-Pennine footpaths, old railway tracks, and picturesque viaducts, the team set out at 6 am from Leeds City Centre. Despite a few navigational hiccups along the way, they triumphantly completed the trek in just under 15 hours, arriving in Sheffield at 8.45 pm.
Reflecting on their memorable journey, Rob Freeman shared: “Being dressed as Smurfs meant we attracted a lot of attention from passers-by. The number of kind-hearted individuals who pulled over in their cars to donate cash was beyond our expectations – it was a fantastic boost to our spirits.”
Alex Norris added: “Despite the sore feet and a few blisters, we are incredibly proud of our achievement. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout this journey. From generous donations and messages of support to sharing our posts and offering words of encouragement, every bit of support was deeply appreciated.”
Olano, headquartered in Sheffield, specialises in e-learning, animation, content development, and both classroom and virtual training for clients worldwide. Nicholas Associates Group’s chosen national charity for 2023, Cancer Research, inspired ‘Team Smurf’ to embark on this extraordinary charity walk.
In addition to their memorable Smurf-themed walk, Olano has been actively engaged in various fundraising activities within their office, including sweepstakes, pool tournaments, and last-man-standing competitions, all contributing to the noble cause of Cancer Research.
