Why TC Knill James choose to support us
We’re lucky enough to count on the support of lots of businesses and organisation dotted around the county.
TC Knill James, a Lewes-based accountancy firm, are one of those.
In February, TC Knill James sent a team of eight employees – calling themselves the KJ Leopards – to run the Brighton Half Marathon in support of the Foundation.
George Clayson, Business Advisory Director, spoke to us about why they decided to run.
“Giving back to the community is really important to us, and we place a big emphasis on supporting people. It’s our responsibility to help people,” George said.
“We think that the Foundation does such an amazing amount of work, and the reach it has is huge.
“The Foundation is also fabulous at spending money really wisely, so you know they’re putting the funds to good use.”
Knill James have been involved in Foundation activities for years and are regular guests at our quiz nights, but the team wanted to take on a more physical challenge.
George describes himself as a keen runner, which his team think is something of an understatement.
“He runs a marathon every day before breakfast!”, jokes his colleague Charlotte.
“George inspired quite a few of the team who had never run before to do the Brighton Half, which was really nice to see.”
The Leopards raised more than £3,500 for the Foundation from their run, and George says they were spurred on by the charity’s fundraising team.
“Having such a wonderful charity to focus on really motivated us,” he said.
“We had the Foundation nutritionist and some coaches turn up at our office, telling us how not to pull a muscle and how to eat right before the event.
“The Foundation team were constantly asking us how it’s going, what they could do to help.
“So that sort of thing is really attractive from our point of view – we know our money is going to a really good cause, and we’re also very well supported.”
And the name – why the KJ Leopards?
“I wanted to name us after an animal, preferably a fast one, that was alliterative with Lewes,” George said.
“Leopard was the clear winner!”
After the great experience the team had, George says they can’t wait to get involved again next year.
“We’re looking for another event next year – maybe the BM10K, maybe the half marathon again. We want this to be a regular thing for us, hopefully with even more Leopards joining us.
“We’ll continue to support the Foundation in any way we can. They just do an amazing job.”