PR Agency Smoking ‘Run’ helps run charity marathon

It was a proud moment for Manchester PR agency Smoking Gun this month as trainers, sweat bands and even assault bikes leapt into action for a marathon charity event that would see us raising over £16,000 (and counting!) for our great city’s community foundation, Forever Manchester. 

While the heights of Captain Sir Tom Moore were not quite reached, we were inspired by him and others like him to do something good in what has been a dark and challenging time for so many. 

We joined forces with dozens of other Manchester PR agencies- and something amazing happened. In our day-to-day we take money off each other’s balance sheets, compete for new clients and chase down the same talent. But on this (very hot!) day in May, we put everything to one side and came together to walk, jog, sprint and cycle a marathon between us in relay style.

We were blown away as we kept our eye on the JustGiving page and watched our total climbing, including a £5,000 donation from the Hoppy Trust. We quickly smashed our target in both miles and money. 

Our team has been working from home since March and we have all been missing the comrade of the office – and all the laughs and little moments that lift us each day – more than we ever realised. So it felt amazing to be able to do something for good together, even while we are physically far apart.

In a somewhat sweaty social post, our MD Rick Guttridge confessed he cycled the furthest he had in over a year (keep it up Rick!). Meanwhile account manager Vic dusted off her assault bike and operations director Hayley was joined by her three little boys, all determined to complete the challenge in a great team effort.

The funds donated  by Manchester PR agencies to Forever Manchester will help to support grassroot community projects across Greater Manchester, which are delivering vital activities and services to those suffering the impact of coronavirus. Initiatives such as food banks, visits to vulnerable older people and mental health programmes are all underway in the city thanks to the foundation. 

The money raised by the Manchester agencies has in part gone to fund tablets for the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust for patients to talk with loved ones. Due to the virus, hospital visits are prohibited at the moment so the value of a conversation or FaceTime call with family or a friend cannot be measured.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated and a special shout out to Bind’s Oli Hopkinson for making it happen 🙂