‘Power’ful support for Haines’ marathon challenge

(CNS): With just two more marathons to go in his hospice challenge the entire community is getting behind veteran distance runner Derek Haines. With a target of raising $1Million to build a new patient facility for the local hospice charity Androgroup is the latest in a number of local companies that have offered free practical assistance to the goal to build the Hospice. David Woodcock, the firms director has offered to provide the planning for the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing requirements and will work in conjunction with the architects and other service providers. Haines’ next marathon is in Dublin in October and he is currently three quarters of the way to the target.

"This is fantastic and I am very grateful to Dave and the Androgroup for this generous offer,” he said regarding the latest in-kind donation. “Donations and pledges have been coming in at a steady rate and with two thirds of the marathons now run we are almost two thirds of the way to our CI$1 million target. The offers of help with services and equipment from companies will help considerably in ensuring that the Hospice is a reality."

Despite being 65 years old Haines has already completed four marathons this year around the world and has two more to go including the Dublin marathon on 27 October and then on 7 December when he will be on home turf for the final leg of his incredible challenge.

"Androgroup is pleased to support Derek's Hospice challenge," said Woodock. "Cayman HospiceCare is a great organisation and the much needed facility will serve the whole community."

The firm joins a list of local businesses donating support and services to the challenge which include APEC (Engineers), BCQS (Project management), DART Cayman (Land), Digicel Cayman (Telecommunications) Home Gas, JDF (Doors and windows), John Doak Architecture and Precision Solar. Over CI$669,000 has also been pledged or donated to the cause. Anyone wishing to make a cash donation can do so via the website at six4hospice.com or through the Digicel and Lime text initiative.