Keen runners from Ageas Insurance, which has offices in Gloucester, Southampton, Bournemouth, London and Manchester, took part in a virtual 'run for wishes' at the weekend in aid of charity partner Rays of Sunshine.

More than 50 people pulled on their trainers and pounded the pavements near their own homes, completing their own 10-mile courses. The money they raised is enough for the charity to grant around seven wishes to children with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

Among the Ageas runners was CEO Ant Middle, who said: "It's certainly not the kind of run we were preparing for at the end of last year but I'm immensely proud of all of our people, who got stuck in and went the distance for our charity of the year. What we lacked in company on the day we more than made up for in spirit."

It's not the first time staff from Ageas have got physical for a good cause during 2020. They have been taking part in various fitness challenges throughout the year, all laid on to help keep their minds and bodies healthy while many continue to work from home.

Rays of Sunshine was chosen as Ageas' official charity partner after staff at Ageas Insurance were moved by hearing about the charity's work to help seriously ill children.

Rays of Sunshine aims to brighten the lives of children aged three to 18 across the UK living with serious or life-limiting illnesses. They do this by granting magical wishes, however impossible they may seem, and providing ongoing support within hospitals by organising hospital activity days and granting hospital ward wishes. In 2019, they reached over 20,000 seriously ill children across the UK through their work.

Rays of Sunshine's Head of Fundraising, Claire Quigley said: "On behalf of the children and families Rays of Sunshine supports, a huge thank you to each of the runners who took on this fantastic challenge and raised an incredible £11,000.

"During these uncertain and challenging times, we are more grateful than ever to Ageas and its employees for their commitment and unwavering support. The funds raised will enable us to continue bringing joy and hope to seriously ill children and their families right when they need it the most, so thank you."

To find out more about Rays of Sunshine visit https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/