NGK employees complete fundraising challenges


Two NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd employees have successfully completed individual challenges to raise money for two separate charities.

Stuart Bayne and John Money have raised funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) and Children With Cancer UK by completing a marathon and skydive respectively.

The first challenge saw Stuart take part in the London Marathon in his fourth charity money-making endeavour for the DSA, having previously raised funds by taking part in last year’s London 100 Cycle ride as well as sponsored rides in Europe and New Zealand.

And he completed the course in six hours 19 minutes, raising £2638.50 in the process.

Stuart Bayne: with his London Marathon medal

Stuart, who is Sales Manager – North for NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “I hoped to come in at around five hours 30 minutes, but it was the hottest weather ever for the London Marathon and we were all advised not to run too fast. It was all about ‘the finish line, not the finish time’.

“It was a big challenge but a great experience. The crowds really support you all along the route; they were absolutely brilliant, shouting encouragement to help you on your way.

“My fund-raising target was set to correspond with the marathon’s distance of 26 miles 385 yards and I was delighted to achieve it. I would like to thank NGK as a company, my colleagues, customers and friends for all the support they gave me.”

Stuart has already put his name down for next year’s London Marathon, when 414,000 applicants are bidding for just 17,000 ballot places.

Meanwhile his colleague John Money undertook a 10,000 feet skydive at Tilstock Airfield, Whitchurch, Shropshire to raise funds for Children With Cancer UK.

The NGK Sales Representative said: “It took twenty minutes for the plane to get me up to that height but an awful lot quicker to get down when I jumped out! The first 5000-feet free falling went by in thirty seconds at approximately 130mph then thankfully the parachute opened for the rest of the descent.

“It was an awesome experience of a lifetime made even better by all the kind contributions and donations from NGK UK management, staff – you know who you all are – and customers and friends.
The total amount raised is currently approximately £2600, and still coming in.”

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd Marketing Manager Mark Hallam said: “As a company we would like to pay tribute to Stuart and John for their great achievement in raising raise money for two such deserving charities.”

John Money: sky diving to charity success