A BROKERS firm in East Lancs has gone all out to make a difference for three causes close to staff members' hearts this year.

Staff at Spencer Hayes Group, an independent commercial insurance specialist, based in Rawtenstall, have completed a number of challenges to boost funds for Pendleside Hospice, Manchester Mind and Cancer Research UK.

Marc Kirker completed the Pendle Pub Walk. Dan & Rebecca Page completed the Shine Night Walk in Manchester. Meanwhile Marc and Kelly Kirker completed the Pendleside Firewalk. Marc was joined by Paul Bentley, Dan Page, Eddie Drinkwater, Emma Booth and Phoebe Wright to complete Velocity 2. Eddie dyed his beard grey and Danny had a Jaffa Cake tattoo.

An initial target of £1,000 was set but this soon mushroomed to £2,000 then £3,000.

One client donated a sizeable amount from a compensation payout to swell the total.

Liz Hall, press secretary for the Bacup committee of Cancer Research UK, said: “I would like to thank the generosity of Spencer Heys Group for their fundraising efforts for such a worthy cause.

"The monies raised will go towards Prof Tim Illidge’s study into immunotherapy in Manchester which harnesses the body’s own immune system to target cancer cells."

Joanna Huddart, from Manchester Mind, added: "Spencer Hayes Group has been so creative with their charity fundraising, which generated a generous donation in aid of our mental health services.

"As an independent local charity, we really appreciate your kind efforts, which will ensure we can continue to be there for thousands of young people and adults, now and in the future.

"Thank you for your inspired community spirit – you’ve truly made a lasting difference to Manchester Mind.”