17 Sep Axess Systems dig deep to support colleague Simon Graver as he takes part in charity trek for Wessex Cancer Trust

EMPLOYEES at Axess Systems have been digging deep to help one of our colleagues smash his fundraising target for a cancer charity.

Senior account manager Simon Graver braved gale force winds whilst taking part in a 10-mile trek through the New Forest for the Wessex Cancer Trust.

Simon, who has worked for Axess Systems for more than 12 years, has, along with members of the Highbridge Community Farm and wife, Chris, helped raise more than £1,000 for the charity, which supports families through cancer by taking part in its Walk For Hope event.

“The Walk for Hope is an event which takes place every year. This is the first year in which we have participated but we have supported Wessex Cancer Trust with other fundraising activities,” said Simon, whose daughter, Emma Graver, works for the Wessex Cancer Trust.

“Obviously this year’s event was a little different because of the Coronavirus outbreak; we did the trek in small, socially-distanced groups. The day we chose to do the walk, Britain was being battered by Storm Frances but we battled our way through the New Forest and the sun shone as we approached the finish line.

“It was great to do the trek with my friends from the Highbridge Community Farm (HCF) and just nice to be out and about during this strange time.

“We’ve made many new friends since the Community Farm was set up in 2010. HCF were given a 1.7 acre piece of land by a local farmer, which has been split into sections where members of the group grow various crops using eco-friendly and sustainable methods.

“They have been very supportive of the Wessex Cancer Trust, as have Axess Systems. It’s very much a family company and you can always rely on them to donate generously for charity events.”

Ed Morton, managing director of Axess Systems, said: “We’re very pleased to support Simon and such a worthwhile charity.”

Wessex Cancer Trust, like all charities, has been hit hard by the Coronavirus outbreak and although their centres are currently closed, they have continued to provide support families by introducing online resources, including a telephone support service, streaming classes and virtual counselling sessions.