The Reading-based Real Estate Finance (REF) division of Secure Trust Bank (STB), along with a number of its local professional partners, has once again smashed the targets set for its annual fundraiser, REF Ramble, raising £15,321 in support of the National Autistic Society.
Having raised £6,290 last year for Prostate Cancer UK, the walk set an initial target of raising £5,000 for the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. Thanks in-part to substantial contributions from Oxfordshire-based housebuilder, Dorchester Living, who donated £5,000, and £2,500 from The A1 Group of Companies, based in Wokingham, more than three times the initial target has been raised.
The event, which was organised by the bank's Relationship Director, Mike Feasey, saw 37 kind-hearted individuals made up of colleagues and ten partner firms take on a 20-mile route along the Thames on Friday 22 September.
Originating in Goring, the REF Ramble led participants to STB REF's Reading Office by midday, allowing for a short break, prior to continuing towards the charity walk's final destination in Henley-on-Thames.
"We are overjoyed with the success of this year's REF Ramble", said Mike Feasey, Relationship Director at STB REF and organiser of the event. "It's more than just a charity walk, autism resonates deeply with numerous STB REF staff, some of whom have friends and loved ones affected by the condition. This makes the National Autistic Society a fitting recipient for the funds that we've been able to raise for this year's REF Ramble.
"Owing to the overwhelming generosity of our contributors like Dorchester Living and The A1 Group of Companies, we've raised over three times as much as we had originally set out to achieve, which was £5,000. To have smashed this target by some way is a testament to the community's dedication to a cause close to so many at STB."
Of the charity walk's group of 37, 16 came from the STB REF team, illustrating the bank's dedication to the cause. Local professional partners that joined the walk included Anderson Wilde & Harris, Clyde & Co., Darcliffe Homes, Field Seymour Parkes, Haslams, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Shepherd and Wedderburn, Vail Williams, and Winslade Group. In a show of support, the bank fulfilled their promise of matching up to £200 for every participating STB REF employee and the donations they raised, contributing a substantial £4,000 to the total.
STB REF is part of the award-winning Secure Trust Bank. From family homes to mixed-use schemes or student accommodation, STB REF's funding specialists support property development and investment projects across the UK.
To continue supporting the REF Ramble and the National Autistic Society, STB REF's Just Giving page will remain live until the end of the year.
For further details, visit Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance.