In August, three of TFT Bristol's most enthusiastic and keen 'sports' decided to raise money for one of the Bristol office's local charities: The Brightwell, a local therapy centre with a state of the art oxygen tank for people with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.

The trio - Vanessa Rothon, Mark Day and Simon Parker - felt that the charity deserved their support due to its small-scale network and the life-changing work it does, having learned that so many people depend on the centre's help and support, both physically and psychologically.  To help raise much-needed funds for a new cafe in the centre, the trio designed the Brightwell Triple: a 2-day fundraiser which saw them cycling and hiking 70km from Bristol to Swindon with a daring 10,000ft skydive to finish!

With Gift Aid, the team raised just shy of £4k in the end and we are so proud of their efforts.

Simon Parker, an M&E engineer who during the working day you'll find inspecting infrastructure, plant and machinery, heating and ventilation and so forth, has reflected on the experience as one he and the team are proud to have taken on:

This was certainly one of the tougher charity fundraisers I have taken part in, but it was one I will remember with a big smile with the knowledge of how valuable donations like these are to the Centre. Without businesses supporting our communities, they would not be able to help people who have such complex needs that, if not assisted appropriately, prevent them doing so many basic things in their daily lives that I know we all take for granted.

The challenge was given even more meaning when we were able to see these facilities put into action. I think having a charity that you can maintain regular contact with by visiting, calling and emailing helps drive you and bring you a better understanding of how you can help them! We are lucky at TFT that we can do that every year with our local communities.

Cycle
Distance: 28.57mi/46km
Duration: 3hrs:13mins
Average speed: 8.9mph

Hike
Distance: 13.67mi/22km
Elevation: 29,586 steps
Duration: 4hrs:32mins
Average speed: 3.03mph

Skydive
Exit altitude: 9,640 ft
Freefall time: 35 secs
Max speed: 147mph
Max G force: 4.06 G
Canopy time: 4 min:52 secs
Average speed: 10mph

If you would like to find out more about what The Brightwell does and how you can support the centre, or you think you may benefit from its services, click here.