Dial up cash for charity

From the archive, first published Friday 14th Oct 2005.

OCTOBER 14: THE Prospect Hospice has benefited from some strange charity events in its 25 years.

In the latest stunt, workers at Nationwide's office at Electra House, in Farnsby Street, dressed up as characters from a TV commercial in a bid to persuade their colleagues to stump up some cash.

Ross Pound and Ian Neave disguised themselves as the 118 118 men who appeared in the commercial for a directory inquiry service, which featured runners with Zapata moustaches and scrawny frames.

And they collected £175 from their colleagues for the Prospect Hospice.

Ian, 24, of Old Walcot, works at the company's helpdesk.

He said: "It seemed like a good cause and the half marathon is a worthwhile challenge."

His training for the half marathon is going well.

He said: "The body seems to be coping well.

"I have run ten miles before but that was a long time ago.

"I'd like to do the London Marathon in the future."

Ross Pound, 23, from Eldene, who is running in the half marathon, was also dressed up for the day.

He said: "This is our day to look like fools. But it's all for a good cause.

"We're just trying to raise money for the hospice and get to have a bit of fun."

The original commercial caused controversy when athlete and former 10,000 metres world record holder Dave Bedford claimed that it ripped off his image.

Altogether, ten Nationwide employees are taking part in Sunday's half marathon and the firm has been fundraising all week for the hospice in Wroughton.

So far the staff have raised £500.

Their colleagues have all been given a chance to guess which of the runners will cross the line first.

Michelle Leighton, the firm's community affairs manager, said; "Nationwide is sponsoring the Swindon Half Marathon but we are delighted that so many of our employees are taking part in the race and taking the fundraising part of the race seriously.

"Prospect Hospice do such valuable work for the town and the money to run it is badly needed."

Entries for the half-marathon have now closed but anyone wanting to take part in either of the fun runs can do so on the day itself.

David Andrew

Archive Home