STAFF at a housing group have raised thousands for a charity for vulnerable people by asking their staff to complete a year long physical challenge.

Horton Housing raised £3,000 for Support Dogs UK by its staff completing the health and wellbeing challenge, which asked staff to walk, swim, run or cycle 30,000 miles during the organisation’s 30th anniversary year.

Staff were sponsored 10p a mile to be donated to a charity of their choice, up to a total of £3,000. In an online vote, staff voted overwhelmingly to fundraise for Support Dogs UK, a Yorkshire based national charity that trains specialist assistance dogs to improve the independence and quality of life for people living with challenging medical conditions.

The money raised will pay for the ongoing 24/7 care and support for a support dog for 18 months.

Paul Gartland, chief executive of Horton Housing, said: “Our staff have risen to the challenge and smashed the target with still another month left to go.

“As an organisation which helps vulnerable people to live independently, we were pleased to be able to donate to another charity which does the same but in a very different way.”

Staff have been taking part in a number of events throughout the year including the Race for Life, Total Warrior, Bradford 10k and other challenges as well as recording walking to work, cycling at the weekend and activities at the gym.

Danny Anderson, fundraising manager, said “We are thrilled with the support that we have received from Horton Housing. The money raised will have a life changing effect on those we support affected by autism, epilepsy and physical disability. We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this donation.”