Meet the marathon man
The mere thought of three marathons and two ultra marathons within one month is enough to send anyone running for the hills, especially Luke Hamilton-Jones.
The Malcolm Hollis building surveyor is running 182 miles between 3 April and 3 May to repay St Richard’s Hospice in Worcestershire for the care given to his father, who died of pancreatic cancer.
The challenge begins with the Dead Sea ultra marathon in Jordan (pictured), followed by the Worcester, Manchester and London marathons. It will all come to a painful conclusion with an ultra marathon around the undulating Malvern Hills in Worcestershire.
Hamilton-Jones said of the charity: “Their exceptional care meant that my father could continue to enjoy life right up until his final weeks and for that, I cannot thank them enough. To say these events will be challenging is an understatement, but I cannot think of a more deserving cause.”
Support him at www.justgiving.com/Luke-Hamilton-Jones.
Christmas gifts make a difference
Donations collected from the Story of Christmas Appeal have given a major boost to homeless projects in London.
Artistic director Derek Penfold, chief executive Marc Corbett Weaver (pictured) and volunteer Tessa Kilgour visited organisations supported by the annual property fundraiser to find they were thriving thanks to generous grants.
The Thames Reach Employment Academy in Camberwell, SE5, used a £25,000 grant to build a café, which serves as a community hub. And with the same amount, housing project Hope Community Homes was able to refurbish one of its five flats to help homeless men get off the streets and rebuild their lives.
The Story of Christmas Appeal works closely with industry charity CRASH, which offers pro-bono professional expertise and building materials, helping grants stretch further.
Children take over at Capital & Regional
Primary school children took charge at Capital & Regional’s Blackburn Mall recently during a ‘Takeover Day’ as part of a national initiative run by the children’s commissioner. The kids went behind the scenes with the customer service, security and management teams at the centre.
LandAid celebrates slim success
Property’s heavy hitters were just a light touch when they weighed in for the final time for the LandAid Slimathon.
Participants weighed in each week between 5 January and 17 February, and by the first weigh-in had lost the equivalent weight of a whole surveyor. But at the final count team AGL Veteran Slimmers took first prize, with Mark Talbot (pictured) crowned slimmer of the year, losing a total of 11.3% of his body weight.
In total, participants lost almost 240kg, though JLL (Just Less Lard) lost the plot in the final week, gaining 1.2kg. Despite losing the most weight as a team, Weight & See (Cushman & Wakefield) finished fourth, Frogmore Fatties came third and GVA second.
Quadrant Estates comes of age
Quadrant Estates celebrated its 18th birthday in style at Soho’s Ham Yard hotel in January.
Managing directors Tristram Gethin, Christopher Daniel and partners treated guests to fine canapés (the Scotch eggs being a great conversation-starter), bowling and even a spot of karaoke at a fun and very social bash.
Alps riders add to Leukaemia research
Cyclists who pedalled for five days through the Austrian Alps as part of the annual Tour of Europe ride have presented £16,926 to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
The sportive, covering 400 miles and 14,000 ft of climbs from Trieste to Munich, was organised by retail property developer Dransfield Properties. Nineteen riders took part and raised £50,000 in total.
The 2015 ride in September will go from Munich to Berlin.
Golfers give generously to GOSH
Property golfers have raised £14,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital children’s charity.
The money was collected by housebuilder Lindeman Homes’ South East division, which held a golf day at Foxhills Golf and Country Club in Ottershaw, Surrey, last year, attracting more than 200 people, including former Premier League referee Graham Poll.
The money will go towards funding the charity’s family accommodation.
JLL staff ride in memory of colleague
JLL Bristol cyclists pedalled 275 miles from Bristol to Paris to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Giles Weir, Allistair Donovan, Andrew Sproson, Chris Miles, James Bromme, Ross Wigley, Alastair Kimpton, Ricky Jones, David Smith and Phil Schmid took on the gruelling three-day challenge in memory of their colleague Jodie Bewley, who died of cancer in November last year.
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for cancer patients aged 13-24. Donate at www.justgiving.com/JLLBristoltoParis.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Oxford Real Estate Conference 2015
When: 18 March, 9.30am-7pm
Where: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
What: The inaugural event will include keynote addresses, six panels and networking opportunities, concluding with a cocktail reception and an optional, traditional dinner at Worcester College.
Society of Property Researchers Annual Quiz Night
When: 19 March, 6pm-10pm
Where: The Horniman at Hays, Hays Galleria, SE1
What: Members of the SPR and guests can give their noodles a workout while lubricated with draft lagers and ales and fuelled by a buffet spread. Enter your team of six, or register yourself to be placed in a team at www.sprweb.com
Dublin Question Time
When: 24 March, 5.30pm
Where: Mansion House, Dawson Street
What: How will the experts capitalise on Dublin’s strong economic recovery? EG finds out next month, following a hit debate in 2014. Set the agenda and submit your own questions to the panel here.
Cambridge University Land Society Inaugural London Dinner
When: 25th March, 7pm
Where: The Oxford and Cambridge Club, Pall Mall, SW1
What: This first-time event for the CULS will bring together some of the most influential names in the industry, presenting a great opportunity to network as well as catch up with old friends. £75 for members and £85 for non members.
Edinburgh Focus Reception
When: 27 March, 12.45pm
Where: The Scotsman Hotel, 20 North Bridge
What: EG unveils the synopsis for the upcoming Scotland Focus and discusses the most pressing issues facing the local market. Awards for most active agents and deal maker will also be announced, accompanied by mouth-watering food and ample refreshments.
Chestertons Polo in the Park
When: 5-7 June
Where: Hurlingham Park, SW6
What: Get your tickets and see world-class polo action up close at this popular annual event. More than 30,000 people have attended over the three days in the pas. The event supports the charity Walking With The Wounded.
pedElle
When: 11-13 June
What: Women in property will be back in their saddles for this annual charity cycle sportive, which this year will trace a 450km route through Spain, from Bilbao to Madrid. Don’t let the boys have all the networking fun. Visit www.cycle-to.org/index.php/pedelle for more information
