27 Apr 2007 | Ref. 125/2007
Birtley, United Kingdom. - BAE Systems staff at the Company’s Birtley site are set to take part in an annual charity fundraising event. Over two hundred walkers will be joining employees from Newcastle and Birtley to test their stamina on a 24 mile charity Challenge walk along Hadrian’s Wall.
The walk will take in parts of the Pennine Way national trail and landmark sites along Hadrian’s Wall, including Steel Rigg and Housesteads. Teams from BAE Systems sites throughout the UK will be competing, alongside individuals, runners and short walk entrants. For those wanting a less arduous challenge, there is a ‘short’ walk of 12 miles.
The walk is an annual fund-raising event by staff of BAE Systems and this year is being organised by volunteers at the company’s Birtley site. Birtley’s team won last year’s 22-mile Three Peaks Challenge in a time of seven hours and seven minutes and part of the ‘prize’ was to organise this year’s walk.
Lee Smurthwaite, general manager at Birtley said: “Each year, BAE Systems, through the Challenge walk, supports a charity chosen by employees. This year’s chosen charity is Macmillan Cancer Support. Last year, the walk raised £10,000 for The Stroke Association and we would hope to top that.
“Organising an event of this size is a challenge in itself and we are extremely grateful for the generous help and support we are receiving from local landowners, the Forestry Commission, amateur radio Ray Net and the numerous volunteers who have been passionate about making this a first class experience for all who take part.”
Lee added: “While we might not have the out and out mountain peaks of Cumbria, the scenery around Hadrian’s Wall is really awe-inspiring with enough ups and downs to test and satisfy the most seasoned walkers.”
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is a global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £13.7 billion pounds sterling (US25.4 billion dollars) in 2006.
For further information please contact:
Kate Roberts, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)191 226 7026
kate.roberts@baesystems.com
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934 Mob: +44 (0)7801 718994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
