HARLOW-based aerospace company NewMet has become a community partner of armed forces charity Help for Heroes – and is more than two-thirds of the way to its ambitious fundraising target of £5,000.

Combining team engagement with creative fundraising ideas, staff from the precision component manufacturer began with £270 courtesy of a Christmas jumper day. And then, this year, 12 employees signed up to participate in a Three Peaks in three months challenge.

They completed their ascents of Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and Ben Nevis, raising £3,390, meaning they have already raised more than £3,660.

Among those who signed up was technical director Walter Buchgraber. While he completed the Scafell Pike hike, he was unable to join the Snowdon climb as he was in Denver, Colorado, at the time. However, not wanting to miss out, he instead climbed the 3,569m Chief Mountain, in Colorado, on the same day his colleagues tackled Snowdon — a fantastic example of commitment and team spirit spanning continents.

The Charity’s community fundraising manager for Essex, John Carpenter, said: “This initiative has been a brilliant example of how collective effort and individual determination can boost both fundraising and team morale.

“NewMet is continuing to build momentum and is continuing with its calendar of activity planned across the year, including a fundraising event during the opening celebration of their new factory in mid-June and a remembrance collection in November. Additionally, staff are exploring additional fundraising opportunities, demonstrating strong ongoing commitment and enthusiasm.

“We are truly grateful to everybody at the company for their dedication and creativity.”

Buchgraber added: “The Help for Heroes hikes are a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for the charity and bring people together. As a company we are proud that several of our people from different departments signed up for this challenge.

“On my first hike it was a pleasure to meet a veteran in person who benefited from the charity.”

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The Charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs. It has already supported tens of thousands – and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve. 

The Charity supports veterans from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians (and their families) who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.
  
— To donate to NewMet’s fundraising, visit here. To get support visit helpforheroes.org.uk.