Howards Motor Group has renewed its sponsorship of Weston Hospicecare’s flagship Mendip Challenge event – and 21 members of the Howards team will be taking part too.

The motor dealer has long supported the Mendip Challenge, which sees participants trek 10, 20 or 30 miles across the beautiful Mendip Hills in support of the hospice.

This year’s event takes place on 2 June, and with more than a week to go until registrations close on 26 May, close to 950 people have signed up to take part.

This already exceeds last year’s total of 873, when £66,000 was raised in entry fees and sponsorship to help the charity’s work caring for people with life-limiting illnesses.

The Howards Group’s support is a key part of what makes the event such a success; and in addition to its event sponsorship, the company has also agreed to pay for every participant to receive a souvenir event water bottle at this year’s event.

That is part of a drive to reduce to environmental impact of the event, and means checkpoints can ditch their use of plastic cups when keeping walkers hydrated along the route.

Some 21 Howards employees will be among those hitting the Mendips on 2 June too, with a team drawn from its showrooms in Weston and surrounding towns.

Howards Group chairman Peter Coleman said: “Howards Motor Group is delighted to be sponsoring Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge 2019.

“As a business we thrive on getting involved with our local community, as well as raising money for this hard-working charity on which so many people depend.

“”It is an exciting sponsored event for those looking to have fun, challenge themselves and raise money for the hospice.

“We wish every success to all of the participants who are taking part, and in particular to the many Howards colleagues, friends and family who will be participating.”

Mendip Challenge event manager Simon Angear said: “The Howards Motor Group has long been one of Weston Hospicecare’s most loyal and generous supporters, and we are thrilled and grateful for this latest support for our Mendip Challenge.

“This sponsorship goes a long way to helping us run this event, which makes such a vital contribution to the work of the hospice.

“We look forward to welcoming the Howards team to the event on 2 June; we’re delighted they will be part of such a bumper turnout for the event in the hospice’s 30^th anniversary year, and look forward to an exciting and enjoyable event day.”

Although this year’s Mendip Challenge is filling up fast, there are still some places available for each of the three distances.

Registration for each distance costs £15 for adults and £10 for children, plus a £1.20 booking fee.

In return, participants get to join the event, enjoy a coach transfer to their start point, and receive a souvenir medal and water bottle.

Find out more, and sign up to take part, by clicking here.