Over the years CSC has committed to a range of activities to help raise lots of money for our chosen charities. Our previous events have included two ‘three peaks’ challenges, a number of marathons and we even tried to swim the Channel once (from the safety of Teddington pool). This year we attempted (and completed!) the Thames Path Challenge, walking across 16 Thames bridges from Putney to Borough, which equates to 25km! This year members of team CSC have finished the London marathon, whilst others have agreed to take part in a 24 hour outdoor survival challenge. We are active in raising money for Brainstrust, not just to help raise their profile, but to show them that we appreciate everything they do, as it is rather personal for us here at CSC: two female members of staff, both in their thirties, have been diagnosed with brain tumours whilst working for the company. Brainstrust has been awesome supporting both of our colleagues, and in each of their cases has helped them meet one of the best brain surgeons in the country, influencing how their surgery to remove the tumours was done.

Another of our chosen charities is HCPT; a Catholic pilgrimage held during Easter Week which enables children with disabilities to have a holiday in Lourdes every year. Having run for 62 years, this is a chance for the children, who would otherwise never be able to travel, to get away and enjoy themselves with outings to the beach and the mountains.

HCPT all began when a young doctor took 4 children to Lourdes. Now about 5,000 pilgrims go each year in groups of 20-30 taking disabled and disadvantaged children. This is a rather personal experience for our Sales Director, Tom Compton, and a bit of a family affair.

Tom’s Uncle and Aunt run Group 32 and have been going for roughly 50 years (his Uncle first went in 1963), and his mum used to go as a helper with the group. Tom took up the reins in 2001 and this is now his 14th trip. He even met his wife through doing it and his children have all been a number of times. For some of the children it may be their one and only holiday and the chance for some normality. A fantastic event for all involved.

As we plan for our next event, the legendary CSC pub quiz, keep your eyes peeled for any upcoming info and snap up the tickets asap. It will be a rowdy, fun and entertaining evening!