A BUSINESS which started here in Reading 50 years ago is celebrating its half a century in business with a big charity drive.
ITS, which provides recruitment services for the construction injury, was established here in the town in 1973, since expanding to 19 locations around the UK.
Now, to mark its golden anniversary, ITS has embarked on twelve months of fundraising in aid of palliative care and bereavement support charity Sue Ryder.
It began when members at the Reading office took part in the town’s Half Marathon last month, followed by Reading and West London manager Jerry Knight taking part in the London Marathon.
Mr Knight raised more than £9,000 for the charity, finishing the marathon in just over three and a half hours.
He explained that the charity was close to him after it helped care for his grandfather, Barrie, in 2022.
“The Sue Ryder team were excellent in supporting my grandad and our family while he was receiving end-of-life care last year.
“The charity does an incredible job helping people and their loved ones in times that matter the most and I am thankful to have the opportunity to give back in any small part that I can.
He continued: “Running the London Marathon was one of the best experiences of my life. Fantastically organised, phenomenal support from the crowds for all 26.2 miles and the camaradery of thousands of people running together for charities makes for such a special day.
“It was an honour to have the opportunity from Sue Ryder to run for such an important cause to me and my family- a day I’ll never forget.”
For the rest of the year, ITS will be embarking on a number of charity challenges and initiatives, including the National and Welsh Three Peaks challenges, a 24-hour football match, a team skydive, and both 50k and 100k ultra challenges.
Besides these, it is also hosting family fun days, black tie events, and offering labouring days, where team members can donate their labour for free in return for donations from the business.
Jenn Patient, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder, said: “We are incredibly grateful to ITS for choosing to support Sue Ryder during their exciting 50th year.
“We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm of ITS colleagues across the UK, who have committed to taking on these challenges in 2023 to raise funds so we can continue to be there when it matters.”
Donations can be made via ITS’ fundraising page at: justgiving.com/campaign/its50
Information about Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice is available via: sueryder.org/duchessofkent
