A group of staff from The Scotts Company and a former employee completed the New York Marathon and in the process raised more than £10,000 for the children's charity, Whizz-Kidz.
The Scotts Strollers' day started with a 2.30am wake up to catch a 4am coach to the start line on Staten Island. After more than five hours trying to keep warm in the chilly holding area, they joined the 40,000-strong crowd of runners gathered in the mid-morning sun for the start. Carried along by the encouragement of spectators lining the route, Andrew Wilson was first across the finish line, completing the tough, undulating course in 4 hours 16 minutes.
Shaun Cavanagh finished in 4 hours 47 with David Truby and Sam Cassidy both recording a time of 4 hrs 51. Frances Lark from Customer Services completed her first marathon supported by Regional Director Steve Squires in a time of 6 hours 57 minutes.
After such a tremendous effort, the team made good use of their time in the Big Apple with visits to Wall Street, the Empire State Building and Ground Zero and a helicopter ride around the Statue of Liberty.
David and Shaun happened to bump into race winner Paula Radcliffe at the top of the Empire State Building. When they asked her if she'd found the race as tough as they had, she said it depended how tough that was!
Organiser Sam Cassidy said the team are thrilled with the money raised: "It was a really tough race and needless to say, we were nursing our blisters and stiff legs for a few days after, but it was a tremendous experience and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone in the industry who sponsored us. The money raised will enable Whizz-Kidz to provide more equipment for disabled children, helping them lead more independent lives."
Photo caption: The Scotts Strollers proudly wearing their medals in New York's Central Park. Left to right: David Truby, Andrew Wilson, Sam Cassidy, Frances Lark, Steve Squires and Shaun Cavanagh.
www.scottsprofessional.co.uk
