The FPB has handed over £2,500 to its nominated charity, the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). The FPB presented the cheque to Dr Sue Ablett of CCLG after a number of fund raising activities during 2006. Over the past 12 months, staff at the business lobby group have run the Wilmslow Half Marathon, taken part in a World Cup sweepstake, donated cash to come to work in casual clothes and even climbed Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain. The cheque was presented to Dr Ablett by the National Chairman of the FPB, Len Collinson.

"Since the creation of the CCLG in 1977, there has been an increasing trend in the survival rates of children with cancer treated at its centres. The FPB is proud to be able to raise funds for such a worthy cause." he said.

Dr Ablett said the money would be used to fund the annual conference of childhood cancer charities and support groups in Leicester in April: "The conference provides a unique opportunity for families and support groups to meet, share experiences and hear presentations of interest." she said.

"This will be the first time that delegates will be able to attend free of charge, courtesy of FPB's donation. We are delighted to be in partnership with FPB." she added.

And, not satisfied with last year's achievements, FPB staff have set the bar even higher for 2007. Membership Services Representative David Knowles and Business Information and Renewals Manager Jonathon Britton are both in training for the next Wilmslow Half Marathon. Fighting fit Knowles says they are looking forward to the challenge.

"We both aim to complete the 13 miles in around an hour and a half and we'll get extra sponsorship for every minute under two hours."

Meanwhile, intrepid IT Manager Kevin Dowle is leading an expedition of staff to the summit of the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in the space of just 48 hours! "We will start with Ben Nevis in Scotland, travel to the Lake District and climb Scafell Pike before moving on to the mountain we climbed last year, Snowdon." He explained.

The FPB is also aiming to hold an auction at its Small Firms' Summit in October with all proceeds going to the CCLG. For more information, to donate or to contribute items for auction email matt.hardman@fpb.org.

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For further information, contact Matt Hardman at the FPB press office on 01565 626019 / 07775 756 306 or via email at matt.hardman@fpb.org