Jake passes £5k target after running 10.5 miles with PC strapped to back

Action man Jake Best has done it – and in just under two hours and ten minutes.

The father of two successfully ran 10.5 miles with a bulky Dell PC from computer refurbishing company Refurbo strapped to his back.

Picture: Bold Media

The distance was the equivalent of running, or hiking, up Ben Nevis and back down.

The weight of the computer was about the same as a microwave or an average three to four year old child.

As reported on Dorset Biz News, Jake, 36, was raising money for computers in schools, including St Clement’s and St John’s CoE Infant School in Boscombe.

He did the challenge continuously, with no stops or rest periods, by running up and down a 25m slope, 337 times, a total of 16.850 metres.

His final time was 2:09:49.

So far £2,698.70 – £3,272.13 including Gift Aid – has been raised.

Poole-based Refurbo agreed to match any funds raised up to £5,000 which means that the initial £5k target will be exceeded.

Jake, Operations Director at Clearwater Dynamics in Poole, carried out his ‘To The Top And Back – The Ben Nevis Challenge’ on the opening day of the new ESA FTY Lab in Branksome.

Harry Redknapp was on hand to cut a ribbon to mark the start of the challenge.

Picture: Bold Media.

Jake said: “It turned out to be extremely difficult, both physically and mentally, to stick to the task and not give up.

“I was determined to complete the task to help families in need of digital support.

“They have no choice but to keep going and dig deep.

“Unlike me they have no end in sight.”

Leon Lindblad, Refurbo’s CEO, described Jake as a hero adding: “We hope to work together on more exciting challenges in the future.”

• Virgin Giving Money is open for donations until April 30 here.

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Growing demand reported for Bournemouth town centre properties

Commercial property agent Goadsby is reporting a surge in demand for town centre properties in Bournemouth.

Acting on behalf of private clients, Goadsby Commercial has completed the letting of the former Samsung unit at The Avenue Centre, to Saltrock Surfwear Ltd.

Saltrock completed the fit out in just ten days and are trading from the premises.

Grant Cormack, Goadsby’s Divisional Director, Retail & Investments, said: “We were delighted to assist Saltrock in securing premises and trust the shop will be a valuable addition to the high street.”

In addition to the Saltrock letting, Goadsby say that a further seven units in Bournemouth town centre are currently under offer.

They include premises in Old Christchurch Road, Post Office Road and Commercial Road.

Grant, pictured right, said: “We have seen a significant increase in requirements for Bournemouth town centre during the first quarter of this year, resulting in a number of lettings being provisionally agreed.

“With the positive news surrounding the vaccine programme, and the easing of restrictions for non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality, we expect enquiry levels to continue to grow.”

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Recruiters go on the run for a good cause

They’re on the run and they need your help.

Bournemouth-based Holt Recruitment Group held a 24 hour ‘A Mile an Hour’ challenge on April 23.

Team members ran a 1.1 mile loop every hour for 24 hours.

It meant they effectively completed just over a marathon each over the 24 hour period.

The team worked a normal day between runs and stayed on during the night to complete the challenge until the end of the 24 hour period.

Money raised will go to the Bournemouth foodbank, Hope for Food.

Donations can be made here and non-perishable goods are also welcome at Holt’s Bournemouth office.

The Holt Recruitment Group, founded by MD Stuart Holt, pictured, in 2007, comprises Holt Automotive, Holt Engineering and Holt Executive.

Teams from all three took part in the event.