Matthew Palmer, James Nesbitt, Bonnie MacRae and Terry Robb celebrate together at the finish line
James Nesbitt joins Ulster Bank staff on the final hour of their 40-hour movement challenge
Teams from Ulster Bank and the NI Hospice with James Nesbitt at the finish line
BLOODLANDS and Cold Feet star James Nesbitt put his best foot forward for charity on Friday.
The 58-year-old braved the wet weather, alongside staff from the Ulster Bank and the Northern Ireland Hospice, for the closing stretch of a 40-hours-of-movement challenge to raise much-needed funds for the hospice.
Beginning on Wednesday afternoon, approximately 100 colleagues and supporters took to bikes, treadmills and to the streets in an effort to clock up 40 hours of continual movement to mark the incredible 40 years of care provided by the NI Hospice, which is celebrating a special anniversary this year.
The endurance challenge was part of Ulster Bank’s annual ‘One Week in September’ fundraising drive whereby colleagues from across the bank’s network come together to raise as much money as possible for a local charity.
This year, colleagues selected the NI Hospice as the worthy recipient, with bake sales, quizzes, charity football matches and cookery demonstrations all staged to support the cause.
James Nesbitt joined the teams for the final 60 minutes of the 40-hour challenge and posed for selfies as he carried a donation box in an effort to boost support and funds for the charity.
He said: “I’ve been aware of the invaluable work carried out by the Northern Ireland Hospice for some time now and am blown away by the incredible work that they do in such difficult circumstances. To this end, I was only too happy to brave the rain and join the volunteers on the last hour of their challenge and [will] hopefully collect a few more pounds for the cause.
“Congratulations to everyone who took part in this great event and for not allowing the bad weather to dampen the spirits.”
Ulster Bank’s Terry Robb said: “It’s been fantastic to work with the hospice and learn more about the great care they provide. We hope our fundraising efforts will enable them to continue with this in the years to come. Special thanks to Mr Nesbitt for joining us on the walk and for giving us a boost when it was most needed.”
NI Hospice corporate fundraiser Bonnie MacRae said: “This year marks a significant milestone for our organisation, so we are delighted to have this funding boost from the Ulster Bank and to have the support of so many colleagues and volunteers at this crucial time for the hospice.”
