Springboard committee chair Hannah Horler raises £6,245 for charity

Springboard board member and fundraising committee chair Hannah Horler has raised £6,245 by running five half marathons in support of the charity.

The organisation seeks to help disadvantaged people and those facing multiple barriers to gain work within catering and hospitality, and celebrated its 25th anniversary year in 2015. This in itself prompted Horler to embark on her challenges.

Horler collected money via Virgin Money Giving, and also claimed Gift Aid from the government whenever the donor was eligible.

Commenting on the fundraising effort, she said: "Thank you to everyone who supported me in my five half marathons in aid of the Springboard charity's 25th anniversary. Myself and Springboard really appreciate your support and thank you for any donations. It makes a big difference to peoples' lives."

Horler, who specialises in hospitality recruitment and is the partner of 3Sixty Restaurants co-director and chief executive James Horler, was also given the Springboard Chris Beaumont Special Award for her previous support of the charity, at its Awards for Excellence giving ceremony in November this year.

Founded by Stephen Moss in 1990, Springboard seeks to enable young and underprivileged people to reach their potential and enter careers in the hospitality, leisure, and tourism sectors. This includes training, skills development, guidance, mentoring, and work experience.

Today, the charity's revenue stands at around £3m, and its major programmes include the annual FutureChef contest and the KickStart scheme. It also supports initiatives such as National Waiters Day, and the Big Hospitality Conversation.

Its chief executive, Anne Pierce, has been with the charity since 1997 and was awarded an MBE for her contribution in 2004.

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