Standard Bank competes in challenge to support families in rural Africa

Staff members at an Island bank are doing their bit to support families in rural Africa.

27 employees at Standard Bank Isle of Man are walking, running or cycling as many miles as possible between now and the end of March as part of the Relay for Hope initiative.

Overall, 82 staff from the Isle of Man, Jersey and South Africa offshore teams are participating to collectively travel 5,400 miles.

Run by international development charity Send a Cow (SAC), the initiative has been launched to help raise funds for much needed work across sub-Saharan Africa.

Standard Bank personnel have already set themselves impressive targets with the leading team comprising Isle of Man staff already raising more than £4,000.

Laura Lewandowskyj of Standard Bank Isle of Man, says: "The Relay for Hope is a wonderful endeavour. The take-up from our staff and the challenges they’ve set themselves have been so encouraging and, of course, the offices are competitive so we’ve indulged in some friendly rivalry.

"We’re delighted to hear that a team from Ballakermeen High School has also set up a Relay for Hope team - it’s great to see others on the Island support the charity. I cannot think of a greater initiative where every pound raised can help families work their way out of poverty with dignity."