Cookes team from one of the main sponsors of the Great Midlands Fun Run have been training hard ready to join thousands of runners in an annual fundraising event.
Cookes Furniture, in Goosemoor Lane, Erdington, has had three specially-designed floats made for the fun run, which gets under way on Sunday, June 2, at 11am.
Staff at the group’s warehouse in Minworth have been busy putting the finishing touches to the floats which will feature a sofa, table and chairs and a bed.
Members of staff will push the floats around the eight-and-a-half mile course in Sutton Coldfield. Each float will also have its own licence plate, bearing the name Cookes, in the hope of encouraging crowds to cheer them on.
James Pike, managing director of Cookes, will be among the runners along with other managers and office workers.
Sarah Lavell, spokeswoman for Cookes Furniture, said the three teams were not too competitive because there was a strong sense of camaraderie but in previous years the sofa float usually won because it was the lightest and easiest to push around.
Staff from the furniture company, which has sponsored a charity fun run in Sutton Coldfield for the past 24 years, will also be handing out thousands of medals to the fun run participants at the end of the day.
This year Cookes Furniture will be supporting the John Taylor Hospice, in Grange Road, Erdington, by giving a donation in memory of a loyal member of staff.
Cathy Cooper, an office administrator for 15 years, lost her battle with cancer last year. She was a hard-working member of the team and demonstrated her love and dedication for Cookes throughout her time working for the company.
Vanessa Hoe, marketing director for Cookes Furniture, said: “We saw Cathy as part of the Cookes family team she was a dedicated employee and a true asset to the company.
“She is sorely missed by everyone at Cookes and donating to a charity such as John Taylor Hospice is a way of illustrating our appreciation to both the charity and to Cathy.
“We very much look forward to supporting this wonderful charity and hope to raise a substantial amount at the Great Midlands Fun Run,” she added.
All entrants for the fun run are encouraged to collect sponsorship money to help provide financial support to charities and voluntary organisations across the Midlands.