Bathroom supplier HiB has celebrated reaching its fundraising target after completing a 30,000 mile charity challenge.

The company, which this year celebrated its 30^th anniversary, pledged to complete the huge distance virtually to raise £15,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK and the National Autistic Society.

Since January, staff from across HiB have been running, walking and cycling in their local areas to cover the distance.

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The company’s virtual route around the world began at HiB’s Tamworth distribution site, and followed a route over the Atlantic Ocean to the USA, South America, Australia, Asia, India and Europe, finishing at HiB’s London head office.

Along the way, teams marked reaching challenge milestones by taking part in special events that celebrated the traditions, cuisines and cultures of some of the destinations.

As well as the company-wide 30,000 mile target, some employees undertook their own personal mileage challenges, with some individuals travelling 2,000 miles during the year.

Donations and sponsorships for the challenge exceeded the original £15,000 target, with the final total to be split between the two chosen charities.

Managing director of HiB Robert Ginsberg said: “As part of our 30 year anniversary we wanted to complete a huge companywide challenge that everyone could get involved with and raise money for good causes.

“The response from across the company has been fantastic and many staff members have gone above and beyond in their contribution to making it a success.

“At a time when we’ve had to socially distance and alter our working environments, the Around the World Challenge gave us an opportunity to work together towards a common goal and also raise some much needed funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK and the National Autistic Society. I know many have enjoyed taking part in the activities and getting their families involved too.

“On behalf of everyone at HiB, I’d like to thank the many businesses and members of the community that have supported our Around the World Challenge by making a donation and sponsoring us.

“It has been fantastic to watch the miles and donations climb throughout the year and I know that the money raised will make a huge difference to both of the charities.”

As a company, HiB supports a number of charities through fundraising, sponsorship and volunteering.

Jane Gill, supporter engagement executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “We’re so grateful to HiB Ltd for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK this year.

“Everyone at HiB has gone above and beyond to make their amazing trip around the world a reality during this challenging year.

“Sadly, COVID-19 has become a threat to dementia research, but with the fantastic support of businesses like HiB, critical progress can be protected.

“Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help make life-changing breakthroughs in research possible for people with dementia. Thank you HiB!”

Kimberly Scoltock, head of philanthropy and partnerships at the National Autistic Society, said: “Huge thank you to everyone at HiB for the amazing fundraising you’ve been doing for our charity.

“This means more than ever at the moment, because of the coronavirus pandemic and the financial challenges we and so many other charities are facing.

“The funds you’ve raised will make a huge difference helping us to support more autistic people and their families through this difficult time.”