A LUNCH at Champneys Forest Mere raised more than £3,000 for the charity Cystic Fibrosis.

The event was also attended by specials guests whose lives have been affected by cystic fibrosis and an emotional video was shown about a three-year-old boy called Brandon who suffers from the disease.

The event was part of a fundraising effort put together by a team of ’Champneys Champions’. The company is providing future managers with a graduate course called the Champneys Champions.

On the course, they learn and spend time in each department of Champneys giving them invaluable insight into how the company runs.

Kerry Vincent, who helped to organise the fundraiser, said: “Champneys split the staff on the course into two teams, giving us a ‘Champneys does The Apprentice’ task.

“We were asked to go away and put on an event to raise as much money as possible for Champneys’ chosen charity, Cystic Fibrosis.

“My team – Team Impact – held a lunch at Forest Mere, selling raffle tickets and holding an auction.

“The other team held a event on a high street near the Tring resort selling raffle tickets, as well as offering hand and arm massages. They also managed to raise just over £3,000.

“This meant Team Impact had won but together both teams achieved over £6,000 for a great cause and had fun in doing so.

“I look forward to working with the Champneys Charitable Foundation in the future - something I know Dorothy Purdew, the owner, is personally passionate and proud of.”

Cassie Wood, Jade Pollendine, Zak Randon, Sean Williams, Kelly Chance and Lizzie Vincent are pictured at the fundraiser.