Almost 30 staff at independent accounting and business advisory firm HURST are gearing up for a gruelling Tough Mudder challenge to raise money for Manchester charity 42nd Street.
A team of 27 will take undertake the Tough Mudder obstacle course at Manchester’s Heaton Park on Saturday, July 13.
42nd Street, which supports the wellbeing and mental health of young people, is HURST’s charity of the year for the second year running.
Four partners at the firm will be among those taking part in Tough Mudder, which tests strength, stamina and mental grit over a 10km course featuring 20 obstacles.
Lisa Everett (pictured left), an associate manager in HURST’s business services team who is organising the firm’s involvement in the event, said: “42nd Street is a remarkable charity which is dedicated to providing crucial support to young people navigating the challenges of stress and mental health.
“It stands as a beacon of hope for those in need, and the money we raise will make a real difference to its ability to provide vital support, counselling and resources.
“We want to raise as much as possible, with all donations going straight to the charity. As a firm, we are committed to making a positive impact, not only on the business landscape but also on the lives of those in our community, and we are eager to contribute to 42nd Street’s fantastic work through our collective action.”
Over the past 12 months, 42nd Street has supported 6,000 people aged 11-25 across Greater Manchester to understand the issues they face and develop positive coping strategies, and more than 20,000 in the last four years.
It has a purpose-built hub and a creative venue in Manchester as well as an online platform.
The charity employs around 100 qualified practitioners such as social workers, youth workers, artists, counsellors, therapists and psychologists, who support people with a range of free and confidential services, including one-to-one counselling, group work, online sessions, cognitive behavioural therapy and creative art-based activities.
It is heavily reliant on donations as it is only partially funded by the NHS.
Chief executive Simone Spray (pictured right) said: “With the needs of young people being so huge at the moment, we are always looking for new ways to meet demand and offer young people assistance that works for them and addresses their unique needs.
“Our partnership with HURST has enabled us to support more young people, notably through our creative programme at our venue, The Horsfall. Young people have been able to work alongside professional artists and mental health practitioners to produce and exhibit incredible work whilst addressing their mental health challenges and learning coping mechanisms.”
HURST focuses on advising entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses across all sectors. Clients include Kinaxia Logistics, M&I Materials, Beechfield Brands, Duerr’s, Oliver Valves, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Krones UK, Creamline Dairies, Scapa Group and Hyde Group.
The firm recently moved its head office to a new flagship development in Stockport to accommodate its growing team, taking 11,000sq ft at 3 Stockport Exchange, the latest phase of a £145m project by Muse Developments and Stockport Council.
Among its other fundraising activities for 42nd Street this year will be a golf day at Stockport Golf Club this month.