de Gruchy staff walk in-store marathon to support domestic abuse charity

Staff at a St Helier department store are taking on a treadmill marathon in aid of a domestic abuse charity.

Employees at de Gruchy are collectively walking 26.2 miles inside the St Helier store.

They have been taking it in turns to get their steps in on the treadmill across yesterday and today to raise money for Freeda.

Formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge, the charity supports victims of domestic abuse and offers a ‘safe house’ for those escaping violence at home.

The organisation is also de Gruchy’s charity partner of the year.

Pictured: Store director Simon Youden started the marathon.

The in-store marathon coincides with the run-up to the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon this weekend, with the aim of giving staff the chance to embrace the spirit of the event. Customers are encouraged enjoy the fun and cheer them on.

A treadmill, donated by islander Thom Hennessy, has been placed under the escalator in the Beauty Department, with members of staff taking turns walking on the treadmill until the full distance of 26.2 miles is covered.

Simon Youden, store director at de Gruchy, said: “We wanted to do something fun and visible in store to raise funds for Freeda and also to show our support for Jersey’s marathon weekend.

“Walking a marathon as a team on a treadmill will be quite a challenge and we hope our customers will get behind us, donate generously and help us to fundraise for Freeda.”