Selina and Freddie are Running in Aid of Mind



If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that employees of SGS Packaging Europe are passionate about supporting worthy causes in any way they can. From fundraising activities taking place across entire offices, to individuals spending their spare time helping out a charity, we’re very proud of our company culture and each colleague’s commitment to playing their part.

Selina Birch is an excellent example. A Project Coordinator in our Tamworth office, she’s currently preparing for the Great Midlands Fun Run, which is 8.5 miles of running through Sutton Coldfield on Sunday 2nd June. Selina isn’t doing this alone, as she’s busy organising a small team of co-workers to join her, as well as her nine-year-old son, Freddie.

“In the past I’ve taken part in the Birmingham Half Marathon and Tough Mudder,” Selina tells us. “My son has also done Mini Mudder, so he’s no stranger to physical challenges and is just as excited as I am for this fun event.”

The mother and son team have been running together ever since registering for the Great Midlands Fun Run. They’re both trying to increase their distance a little each time, with the aim being to run to the six-mile mark and then possibly completing the final part by walking. But then who knows, as Selina points out: “I've been told it is all downhill at the end, so we shall see!”

Selina and Freddie are participating in aid of Mind, which is a charity that SGS has been working with to deliver expert mental health training to managers and team leaders across our UK offices. For Selina, it’s a charity that’s very close to her heart: “I know of people who it has helped in the past and I recently lost my auntie to depression, which I didn’t know she was suffering with. Mind ensures that no one has to face a mental health problem alone, so it truly is a crucial organisation.”

We also asked Selina what she and Freddie are most looking forward to on the day: “Getting to the finish! Although I'm also looking forward to Freddie experiencing his first run – he hasn’t done much running before so this will be a massive challenge for him. I'm really hoping he doesn't bail but so far he hasn't moaned once about training. I'm sure the crowd will keep us going, as they are usually really supportive at these events. I was inspired to do it by another work colleague who is running with his son. My cousin is also an elite runner so I’m hoping we’ll do her proud!

Everyone at SGS wishes Selina, Freddie and their fellow runners the very best of luck for the event. If you’d like to add to their fundraising pot, you can donate via JustGiving. And don’t forget to click the Gift Aid box if you’re a UK taxpayer, as that way your donation is worth even more at no extra cost to you.
---
There’s all kinds of activity taking place across SGS Packaging Europe’s offices, so keep up to date by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.  


Popular posts from this blog

Art and Crafts Competition

Image
Monday 18 th May sees the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “kindness”. As dedicated advocates of positive mental health and wellbeing across our company, SGS Packaging Europe is celebrating this special event and encouraging all of our colleagues to get involved. We’re very excited to be running an Art and Crafts Competition, which is now open to all UK colleagues. We’re inviting you to submit any form of art as long as it’s influenced by mental health, wellbeing or kindness, so be as imaginative as you like and get those creative juices flowing! All employees can take part and you can even get people who live in your household involved, making it a fun activity that you can share with your family. This is a great way to express yourself and have some fun during breaks, lunchtimes, evenings and the weekend. Make sure to submit one piece by Monday 18 th May to Jessica Thompson and Ellie Akam (their contact details are in the email you all r...
Read more

Colleagues Share Photos of Their Lockdown Pups

Image
A few of our colleagues at SGS Bridgehead have recently welcomed furry additions to their households. We caught up with Charly, Adam and Emma to find out more about their lockdown pups. Charly Marritt‘s new puppy is Albert, a German Shepherd crossed with a husky. Now ten months old, Albert moved into Charly’s home on the 7th of April. “We've always wanted a dog,” says Charly. “When our housemates moved out with their pooch we had a browse online and we just couldn't say no to the pictures of him. When we visited we made our decision there and then!” Charly says that the best thing about been in lockdown with a dog is that there’s something else to focus on, such as the extra walks and exercise, and of course the cuddles. Apparently, Albert doesn’t realise how big he is and you never have to ask twice for him to get up on the sofa. Albert was adopted from his third home. His original owner had him and his brother but unfortunately couldn't look after the...
Read more

Hygiene Tips Whilst Working from Home

Image
Many of our colleagues are working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. Being at home throughout the day means that your living environment can become dirty quickly, especially if you have children and pets. To help you keep your home clean and hygienic, we’ve popped together some practical tips. Put at least one hour aside each day Allocating a time slot in your daily diary for cleaning makes keeping on top of the main jobs very easy. Even better, split this time into two sessions – one in the morning and another in the evening. By washing the dishes, vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom regularly, you’ll find that hygiene problems aren’t given a chance to build up, therefore reducing the likelihood of bacteria and the COVID-19 virus spreading throughout your home. Wash your hands before and after cleaning We’re now all used to cleaning our hands for at least twenty seconds, but it can be easy to forget to do it before and after cleaning the house. The reason for ...
Read more