HUNGRY staff will have to keep their appetites in check to raise funds for a teenager with a rare ageing disorder.
The team from Marks and Spencer Simply Food Store, Cheshire Oaks, have vowed to lose 125 pounds in 125 days to support Amy Garton-Hughes, from Wallasey, who was diagnosed with Cockayne Syndrome three years ago.
The syndrome is a premature ageing disorder that leads to a shortened life expectancy.
Amy and her mum Jayne visited the store on Friday on behalf of Amy and Friends, a local charity founded to support people diagnosed with the condition.
As part of M&S’ 125th anniversary celebrations this summer, stores across the UK are joining forces to raise £1.25 million for local community charities in 125 days between May and September.
The store nominated Amy and Friends as its selected charity and is aiming to raise £2,000 by hosting a number of fundraising events and sponsored activities – including the mammoth slimathon.
Kerry Zema, charity coordinator at the Coliseum store, is being sponsored to give up smoking for 125 days.
She said: “The team here is really pulling together to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.
“As well as the slimathon, we’re also organising a number of fundraising events including quiz nights and race nights as well as a sponsored bike ride in June.
Amy’s mum Jayne Hughes said: “Without donations from individuals and companies like M&S, there would be no opportunity for those living with Cockayne Syndrome to meet other sufferers, siblings and families with this condition and benefit from our network of support.”
