Poole property finance specialists MSP Capital have completed their ‘weightiest’ challenge yet – lifting over 1.5 million pounds of weight in the office gym to raise money for the town’s Forest Holme Hospice.

Over 24 hours, 35 members of staff of different ages and abilities took shifts pumping iron, and in the end reached an impressive 1,586,847 pounds (lbs) – 58% more than the original target.

Sponsorship pledges, a complementary bake sale and an accompanying MSP Capital donation mean the total raised so far is over £4,200 with people still able to give.

The weightlifting challenge was particularly significant for Team MSP as Forest Holme cared for Sam Thomas, the son of Louise Thomas, Valuation Administrator at the firm.

“The staff at Forest Holme did an amazing job making Sam and us feel calm and supported during his stay, not just medically but also emotionally”, said Louise.

“We cannot thank them enough for how they looked after Sam. Hopefully, by MSP Capital fundraising on their behalf, it will go a little way to say thank-you from the Thomas family.”

Forest Holme provides emotional and physical support to families of people who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

MSP Capital MD Paul Miracca said: “This was definitely a challenge for the team, but it was well worth it in the end.

“As always, we worked really well together and can be proud that everyone did their bit”, said

“I am especially proud of Louise, whose contribution to the team, and courage for her family, has driven this initiative for an exceptional cause.”

The latest challenge was organised by members of MSP Capital’s community committee under the firm’s ESG strategy.

Committee member Lucy Green added: “I’ve been lucky to be part of the community committee for a few years now, and each year our Christmas challenge pushes the team to new limits.”

Last year, colleagues staged a 12-hour triathlon in aid of children’s charity Young Lives vs Cancer, raising a total of £6,800.

And in December 2021, more than 20 MSP Capital walkers completed a 24-hour treadmill climb in the staffroom to raise nearly £4,500 for Dorset-based children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

The original aim was to reach a height of 17,460m, equivalent to Mount Everest and K2, but in the end the climb surpassed that and reached more than 21,100m.

• To donate in support of the weightlifting challenge, visit MSP Capital’s Just Giving page.

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