This week, we’re catching up with Leanne from Gravells, who’s sharing her inspiring journey of how she and her passionate team are making a real difference in their community, one step at a time.
Leanne joined Gravells, a family-run business, in 2018. Starting out as an accounts assistant, she worked her way up to her current role as credit controller in the accounts department. But it’s not just the numbers she’s passionate about – Leanne is also known for organising charity events that bring the team together.
One event that stood out was last year’s Wear it Pink day across all Gravells sites, where employees showed their support for breast cancer awareness. Leanne recalls:
“It was so funny seeing all the men dressed in pink, but raising money for such an important cause was incredibly meaningful to me. Breast cancer is close to my heart, as I lost my mother to it in 2007, when she was just 41.”
A New Challenge – Running Toward a Goal
Leanne’s journey doesn’t stop at charity events. In fact, she’s taken on a new personal challenge: running! She’s always wanted to get into running, and after participating in a team park run event last August, she’s been hooked. Now, she’s not only hitting the gym regularly, but she’s also preparing for the Llanelli 10K in February, alongside her director Jonathan and the rest of the team.
Leanne shared her excitement:
“I’ve only ever done a 5K before, mainly for Race for Life and the park run events, so taking on a 10K feels like a huge challenge. But I’m excited! It’ll be a big accomplishment, and it’ll definitely motivate me to keep training after Christmas.”
Advice for New Runners
When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking of starting running, Leanne’s answer was simple:
“Just join in! The park run community is so supportive – they cheer you on as you go, which really boosts your confidence. I also find that Strava helps keep me motivated, as I can see other runners’ progress too.”
Corporate Challenge – Team Spirit at Its Best
Gravells will also be taking part in the Front Runner Events series in 2025, as official vehicle partners. About 25 employees will be donning their vests and taking on a year of running challenges together. Leanne is excited about the impact these events have on team morale.
“The corporate challenge has definitely brought us closer as a team,” Leanne explains. “It’s a great opportunity to bond outside of work and connect on a more personal level. After the Llanelli 10K, I’ve already signed up for the Swansea 5-miler in June. It’s the perfect incentive to keep running and stay fit!”
Moving Forward Together
Leanne and her team are truly an inspiration, showing that even small steps can lead to big changes. Whether it’s fundraising for a good cause, taking on a personal fitness challenge, or strengthening team bonds, they’re proving that together, they can accomplish great things – both in the workplace and in the community.
If you would like to support Leanne and her chosen charity at Macmillan Cancer Support just head HERE to donate today.
To find out more about the event, or if you feel inspired to run for one of our official charities just click here to start your journey today!