EMPLOYEES at Direct Food Ingredients have taken on a range of gruelling challenges, raising more than £2,200 for their charity of the year, Northwich-based The Joshua Tree.

Direct Food Ingredients, based in Macclesfield, selected The Joshua Tree as their 2018 charity of the year and since then have been embarking on a range of activities to raise awareness and funds for the charitable cause, which will continue throughout the year.

The team, led by Tracey Aynsley started by taking part in the Northwich River Festival Dragon Boat Challenge, alongside staff from The Joshua Tree, which saw them compete against fifteen other groups to race down Barons Quay, securing a valiant fifth place.

The next challenge saw the team tackle the Tough Mudder 5K race in Heaton Park using sheer grit and determination, and with help from their team mates the group overcame the epic obstacle course in aid of the worthy cause.

Cath Hough, of Direct Food Ingredients, said: “On behalf of everyone from Direct Food Ingredients, we would like to thank the generous people who donated to support The Joshua Tree, and a huge well done to the dedicated group who took part. I know the team is committed to supporting our charity of the year, and I can’t wait to see what challenges they set their minds to next.”

The Joshua Tree helps children and their families across the north west living with the life-changing effects of childhood cancers, to ensure they receive the best academic, social and emotional support, both in and out of school.

Pippa Watson-Peck, from The Joshua Tree, said: “We are immensely proud to be chosen as the charity of the year for Direct food Ingredients and it comes during a time of great excitement for the charity as we embark upon the development of a purpose-built support centre in Sandiway.”

Direct Food Ingredients’ will be taking part in a range of activities to support The Joshua Tree throughout the year and has a dedicated JustGiving page for all donations.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/companyteams/DirectFood