A team from St Neots-based data company MASS ran this year’s Milton Keynes Poppy Run to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

Individual runners have either served or have family and friends currently serving in the armed forces, therefore this cause is close to all their hearts. The team had a mixture of experienced and first-time runners, as a team they raised £1,132 including £500 matched funding from parent company Cohort plc.

“The commitment to the armed forces runs through MASS’ core and workforce, as they are part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme,” said Jess Smith from the company.

“The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. MASS has Silver award status and employs a number of ex-military personnel and reservists.”

Over the past 18 months, staff have sponsored and participated in half marathons, sky-dives and bake sales raising more than £7,400 for a variety of armed forces charities including SSAFA, RAFA, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, RAF Benevolent Fund and Combat Stress.

INFO: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mass.