Pygott & Crone, based in Lincolnshire, has been shortlisted for a well-respected charity award and is now waiting to see the outcome of a public vote to choose the winner.

The company was nominated for a British Heart Foundation (BHF) Heart Hero Award, in recognition of a charity challenge they organised which raised almost £70,000.

Back in December last year, the Sleaford branch teamed with Gary Burr, BHF’s fundraising manager for Lincolnshire, to create a sponsored challenge to run or walk 100km between Boxing Day and 31^st January 2021.

Initially, the team had set a £2,000 target for the challenge – and saw it as an opportunity to encourage people to get active during the third lockdown.

The challenge picked up a very large response on social media and in total around 230 people, including 65 members of staff at Pygott & Crone, participated in the event, raising a significant amount towards the BHF’s life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.

Their efforts have resulted in the company being shortlisted for the Innovative Fundraiser category at the BHF’s Heart Hero Awards. The category was open to an online public vote, which closed on Sunday 8^th August.

Kevin Scrupps, director of Pygott & Crone, said:

“We are so pleased to be shortlisted for this award.

“This event brought people from our industry, community and all over the UK together, and we even had people taking part from as far afield as Australia. The challenge provided a positive focus at a difficult time and helped raise awareness of the great work the BHF carries out.

“The amount raised was staggering and it shows how a simple event can gain momentum and support. We are proud to be associated with the BHF and look forward to an ongoing relationship raising both awareness and funds.

“We wish all the nominees the best of luck and are truly thankful to anyone who takes the time to vote for us.”