M&S employee to cross the Atlantic for charity
14/01/2011
Marks & Spencer employee Graham Witham is undertaking a hugely ambitious challenge
this year as he attempts to row across the Atlantic in aid of The Prostate Cancer
Charity.
Ex-Royal Marine Graham is undertaking a year of fundraising activity in support
of his efforts which was kicked off on 7 December 2010 when M&S Chief Executive
Marc Bolland, Chairman Sir Stuart Rose and model Twiggy joined him to launch the
boat he will use for his journey. The group unveiled the aptly named HM&S Twiggy
on the Grand Junction Canal outside the retailer’s HQ in Paddington, London.
Over 2011 Graham will carry out a host of fundraising activities, before he and
three other ex Royal Marines depart from the Canary Islands for the 3000 mile crossing
to Antigua. The journey is scheduled to take between 6-12 weeks and will see the
crew row 24 hours a day completely unassisted and unaided. The specially commissioned
29ft boat is funded and branded by M&S Energy. Fitted with the latest technology
and communication equipment that will allow its crew to update friends, family and
well-wishers in real-time via a blog on their website
www.prostatemarksmen.com.
M&S, its employees and customers have donated over £700,000 to The Prostate
Cancer Charity over the last three years, supporting the Charity’s flagship campaigns
including Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Movember.
Graham Witham commented: "I’m hugely excited to be involved in the project. It’s
going to be a challenge, we have a great team and fantastic support. We’re really
excited to be working with The Prostate Cancer Charity and we’d like to raise as
much as possible for such a worthwhile cause."
Marc Bolland, Chief Executive of M&S, commented: "Graham is truly inspiring
and we are proud to be supporting him for his forthcoming journey across the Atlantic.
Graham's commitment will not only raise a fantastic amount of money for The Prostate
Cancer Charity but will also raise awareness of the important work the Charity does.
All M&S employees are encouraged to volunteer and fundraise for a charity of
their choice and Graham's feat will challenge M&S colleagues across the UK to
get involved and hopefully do something as remarkable themselves."
John Neate, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "We are delighted
that Graham has decided to take on this impressive challenge in support of The Prostate
Cancer Charity. His Herculean endeavour exemplifies the superb spirit in which M&S
employees have taken this partnership to their hearts and made it such a success.
We wish Graham, and his crewmates, every possible success with their voyage and
look forward to following their progress." For more information about Graham's trip,
or to sponsor him, please visit – www.prostatemarksmen.com.