A group of 15 employees and friends of Preston-based Conlon Construction completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 2 July to raise vital funds for its charity of the year – Emmaus Preston.

The building contractor has raised more than £8,000 for Emmaus Preston from the sponsored walk. In addition, during 2016 they have assisted the charity by providing training for ‘companions’ at Emmaus who were once homeless and recently donated a secure storage cabin.

The intrepid travellers completed the 24 mile, 5,202ft challenge in 10.5 hours and aimed to raise £1 for every foot climbed. With money still coming in, the firm has already surpassed its fundraising target and is looking ahead to events later in the year.

“We have a committee of staff members who choose a charity for the year which we then support through events such as our ‘3 peaks challenge’. As a company we are committed to giving back to the community and this is just one example of the many initiatives we undertake to ‘do our bit’.

Michael Conlon at Conlon Construction, said: “We trained very hard and whilst we might be nursing a few blisters and sore legs, we’re really pleased with our fundraising achievements and are looking forward to seeing how much more we can raise for Emmaus before the end of the year.”

Emmaus Preston supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. The charity runs three social enterprises in Preston, selling donated and refurbished furniture, household items, white-goods, vintage products and bikes.

Stephen Buchanan, project director at Emmaus Preston, said: “We simply wouldn’t survive without donations and are extremely grateful for Conlon’s fundraising efforts. The donation will be vital in supporting our continued efforts to provide formerly homeless people a home and opportunities to work and help our endeavours to end homelessness for good.”