UM Group has launched a major fundraising campaign as part of its global wellbeing initiative for 2024.

The Great Molasses Challenge will see colleagues across the Group join forces to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the charity Farm Africa.

The unique challenge aims to cover the distance of the first ever UM molasses shipment in 1912 – a total of 4820 miles (7712km) from the Dominican Republic to Hull.

Between April 24^th and June 9^th colleagues can do their bit by running, walking, swimming or cycling. With around 200 employees, this works out at an average of 24.10 miles each.

The intention is to finish the challenge in Hull on June 9^th when a number of colleagues will be taking part in the Hull 10K.

Colleagues have already signed up to take part in various other activities including the London and Edinburgh Marathons, Liverpool and Bristol half-marathons, Battersea Park 5K and 10K. There will also be lunchtime walks in London and other locations around the Group.

While the fundraising campaign will raise as much money as possible for Farm Africa, it also forms part of the Group’s wider wellbeing initiative which seeks to promote the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. This initiative will run across the Group throughout 2024.

To coordinate activities, a Great Molasses Challenge committee has been established comprising Geraldine Carroll, Mark Few, Simon Markham, Nigel Jones and Louisa Brown. There will also be champions across the Group to further promote awareness and encourage as many colleagues as possible to get involved.

Farm Africa is working to reduce poverty by helping farmers in eastern Africa to grow more, sell more and sell for more. Thanks to the work of the charity and its supporters, rural families are growing their incomes while also protecting their local environment for future generations.

Simon Markham, UM Group’s Head of Molasses (GB), said: “We are really excited about the Great Molasses Challenge and the role it can play not only in helping to raise vital funds for Farm Africa, but also for promoting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing within the UM Group.

“We have deliberately made it easy for everyone to get involved whether you are able to find time for a short walk at lunchtime or whether you want to sign up for a marathon. It could be as simple as taking your dog for a stroll, a light jog or a forest walk. Every mile helps us get a step closer to our target.

“Alongside the Great Molasses Challenge, UM Group will be running a series of smaller activities and events as part of our global wellbeing initiative, details of which will be made available during the year.

“We want the initiative to demonstrate the value of physical wellbeing and, in the case of mental wellbeing, to show that it’s important to talk to each other and to know that it’s fine to ask for help or support when you need it most.”