A ‘socially distanced’ charity challenge by young professionals’ networking organisation Bristol Junior Chamber (BJC) has raised £5,090 for Above & Beyond, the charity raising funds for Bristol city centre hospitals and supporting NHS staff.
BJC members teamed up with their counterparts at Wirtschaftsjunioren Hannover in Bristol’s German twin city Bristol for ‘Virtually there! The Bristol to Hanover race’, covering a combined distanced of 1,000km over seven days by walking, running, cycling and horse riding. 
The 85 participants overcame the Covid-19 guidelines in both cities by using activity-tracking technology to clock up their kilometres while remaining socially distanced, sharing photos and reviewing progress at the end of every day.
They massively exceeded both their fundraising and distance targets – clocking up a huge 5,668km over the seven days.
The BJC chose to fundraise for Above & Beyond as members were keen to support NHS frontline staff in the city during the coronavirus pandemic.
The charity’s mission is to make a difference to patients, their families and the staff who treat them in city centre hospitals by creating welcoming environments, funding innovative research, supporting staff training and providing the latest facilities and technology.
An initial £2,500 donation by the BJC was doubled to £5,000 by regional accountancy firm Bishop Fleming. A dedicated JustGiving page has continued to receive donations. 
Above & Beyond corporate partnerships officer Gemma Jenkins said: “From everyone at Above & Beyond I want to say a big thank you to Bristol Junior Chamber for taking on this challenge and raising such an incredible amount for Bristol’s hospitals.
“The money raised will make a real difference to patients, their families and the staff who treat them, especially during this challenging time for our NHS.
“Anyone who’s been inspired by Bristol Junior Chamber to plan their own fundraising challenge can get in touch for support and ideas.”
The charity race came shortly after Jack Callow, restructuring manager at Bishop Fleming, took over as BJC president from Alice Peacock.
Jack, pictured, said: “This week was about coming together whilst apart, promoting physical activity to support our mental health as well as general fitness whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines, and, above all, supporting a fantastic cause. 
“When you consider that each participant travelled approximately 10km on average every day, it’s fair to say that I was blown away by the energy and the commitment with which Bristol Junior Chamber members and those of Wirtschaftsjunioren Hannover took on this challenge, particularly in such testing circumstances.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the donations we’ve received from friends, family and colleagues, and we’re delighted to be able to support Above & Beyond and its very worthy cause.”
Assuming the role in unprecedented circumstances, Jack has enthusiastically risen to the challenge of rallying the organisation despite the suspension of its traditionally vibrant calendar of events.
Its AGM – usually held in April to formally appoint the new president – was postponed and a working group established to support Jack to ensure BJC’s 160-plus members continued to enjoy networking, knowledge-sharing and socialising opportunities through virtual means.
Since lockdown started members have enjoyed virtual yoga sessions, book club meetings and a quiz while also staying connected via WhatsApp groups dedicated to activities such as running, cycling and baking.
Guest speaker at this month’s virtual meeting is Tom Skidmore from fitness subscription firm MoveGB while members are also lined up to take part in a Greek cooking session over video call.
The success of its virtual networking means BJC will stage its AGM via virtual means at the end of June, during which Jack’s council of management will be formally elected by the membership body.
Since its inception in 1948, the BJC has become firmly established as one of the leading organisations for young professionals in the city. It has been at the forefront of many major projects and enterprises, including the internationally renowned Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
