Eighteen runners from a Flintshire-based business have completed a marathon challenge in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

The runners from the P&A Group, including three from their Polish supply partner, tackled the 26.2 mile Manchester Marathon on April 3, raising well over £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

A personal best was set by finance director, Andrew Baker, who completed the marathon in 03:10:34. He was closely followed by one of P&A's Polish supply partners who recorded a time of 03:14:58. Marathon novice Iwan Gwyn, Woodworks Garden Centre manager, posted a time of 03:20:23 and Paul Haynes, the key account manager at Zest, finished at 04:18:31.

All 18 were running to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, which was chosen by employees as the company's charity of the year for 2022.

Representatives from each division of the P&A Group tackled the course, including eight members from Zest's garden products warehouse and distribution centre in Saltney. In addition, three members of management staff from its key Polish product supply partner took part as well as staff from Woodworks Garden Centre and P&A central services team.

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Runners were excited to be joined by a mystery guest at the start line - Steve Morgan, P&A Group managing director, who ran the marathon wearing the British Heart Foundation mascot suit, Mr Hearty. Steve also carried two charity buckets, collecting over £500 along the way.

Denise Matthews, one of the P&A runners, said: "There was a great atmosphere and the crowds definitely helped to keep spirits high during the challenge! It was great to see so many of us taking part. I'm so proud of everyone."

Steve Morgan, P&A Group managing director, ran the marathon as British Heart Foundation mascot, Mr Hearty.

Steve Morgan, P&A Group managing director, ran the marathon as British Heart Foundation mascot, Mr Hearty.

Steve Morgan said: "How could I not join in the fun? When I saw how many employees had signed up to take part in the Manchester Marathon, I knew I had to get involved too! It was a fantastic day and I was amazed by people's generosity.

"I'm very proud of the entire team of 18, particularly as it included many novice runners doing their first marathon and also seasoned runners who were looking to record a new personal best."

Andrew Baker said: "The best part about the Manchester Marathon was watching the team come over the finish line. I'm so proud of their dedication and determination."

Iwan Gwyn added: "The training really was worthwhile. I thoroughly enjoyed not just being part of the team, but also completing my first marathon and achieving such a great time."

All 18 runners received a warm welcome when they returned to the newly opened design.shed in Saltney on April 4 to share stories and celebrate with colleagues with some well-deserved cake!

The Manchester Marathon is one of the many fundraising events that employees of the P&A Group are getting involved with this year as they seek to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

If you would like to support the P&A team, you can visit their JustGiving page here - https://justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/britishheartfoundation/p-a-groupbhf2022?/charity.