A BOURNEMOUTH based company has raised over £12,000 for UK charities by collectively completing 24 marathons during the lockdown.

Two hundred and forty members of staff from telecommunications business provider 4Com, plus family and friends, split into 24 teams to take part in the 2.6 Challenge in April.

Organised by the 4Com Foundation, funds raised from the activity stand at £12,350, which has been split between the nominated charities including Bournemouth Hospital charity and MYTime Young Carers.

Dean Cartledge, Head of The 4Com Foundation said: “I’m thrilled that we had 240 people taking up this challenge.

“Even if it’s not usually what everyone does in their spare time, we are all mindful of the funds The 4Com Foundation will be releasing to charities in their time of need.”

The total distance completed by each team was equal to a full 26-mile marathon, meaning in total the 4Com team ran 24 marathons between them.

The 4Com Foundation supports charities, including Poole Hospital Charity Bournemouth Hospital charity and Bournemouth Foodbank, who have been severely affected by the impact the pandemic has had on the charity sector.

Zoe Nicholson, Community Fundraiser at Poole Hospital Charity, added: “We are grateful to 4Com, their staff and families for taking up the 2.6 Challenge and choosing to support Poole Hospital Charity and Gully’s Place Trust Fund whilst doing it.

“The money raised for Poole Hospital Charity will go towards purchasing services and equipment for Poole Hospital, over and above what the NHS provides, which will benefit staff, patients, and their loved ones.”