Staff donate toys and display pedal power

Staff at one of Newark’s biggest employers have donated to a charitable appeal to bring joy to youngsters in need this Christmas.

Team Knowhow have donated 147 gifts, together worth more than £1,000, to the Newark Salvation Army annual toy appeal.

Three collection points were set up at Knowhow’s distribution site, on the outskirts of town, so workers could donate new toys, games and toiletries.

Jade Cumberpatch, of the returns admin department, organised a collection within her team.

She said: “I think this is a wonderful idea, and I would like to think that if my children were in this situation someone would do the same for them, and make Christmas as enjoyable as possible.”

The annual appeal seeks donations to cover gifts for children up to the age of 18.

They are sorted and wrapped by volunteers before being delivered to social services and children’s centres for distribution to local families.

Captain Matt Elsey, of Newark Salvation Army, said: “Every gift will be given to families in and around the Newark area to those who may not be able to afford toys or find themselves in very difficult circumstances.

“It is great to know that the staff from Knowhow want to support our toy appeal and help be a blessing to families in our community.”

The donation comes amid a successful charitable year for Team Knowhow, who have organised events to support both national and local charities.

Recently staff clocked up 1,978.28km in a 24-hour exercise bike challenge.

Jude English, engagement manager, said so many people signed up to take part they had to get four bikes — loaned by Active4Today and AnyTime Fitness in Newark.

Participants pedalled for up to 30 minutes at a time with the aim of raising £2,000.

Two bikes were based at each of the two buildings on the Knowhow site. Riders on bike two at building two rode the furthest — 654.69km.

The leading riders over an hour were Tom Copley who covered 36.14km and Monta Gelica, who rode 29.2km.

She also completed the highest total distance in the women’s category with 140.4km. For the men it was Gavin Nichol with 178.41km.

The challenge was in aid of the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance — one of Knowhow’s chosen charities for the year.

To date £3,200 has been raised.