Staff at Barclays Heathrow were asked which local cause they would like to support in 2008, and Ashford Hospital came up trumps. The fundraising challenge started with 30 members of staff from Barclays Commercial Bank taking part in a nine mile charity walk to raise money for Ashford Hospital.  Staff started from Barclays Bank, Cardinal Point, Heathrow, following the Perimeter Road surrounding the Airport.  Despite the appalling wet weather conditions staff completed the invigorating walk.

The walkers managed to dry out and take cover in time to enjoy an evening’s entertainment of a charity race night at Barclays Cardinal Point office. Sixty customers were invited along ‘to place their bets’ and purchase raffle tickets to win the top prize of two return flights to Europe.   A range of other exciting prizes were on offer too, which had all been kindly donated by Barclays customers.

A fantastic £8,000 was raised through the sponsored walk, selling raffle tickets and the race night bettings, with an additional £3,000 being generously matched by Barclays community investment programme through the matched fundraising scheme.

Rachel Ince said: "I am proud that Barclays Commercial Bank Heathrow has been able to raise £11,000 for such a worthwhile cause.

“Customers and staff participated in a fantastic charity day. The customers contributed enormously both by donations and support of a fundraising evening whilst the Barclays team raised money by walking nine miles around the Airport Perimeter which was no mean feat given that we picked what seemed to be the wettest day of 2008!

“Barclays is committed to supporting the local community and we are delighted that these funds will enable the hospital to buy much needed equipment for Chaucer, Dickens and Wordsworth Wards."

Aileen McLeish also commented: “We are enormously grateful to Barclays Commercial Bank, their staff and clients for this most generous donation. This vast sum of money will make a significant contribution towards buying essential equipment for our stroke and rehabilitation wards at Ashford Hospital. Many thanks to all”.