A WORCESTER insurance brokers team recently put their best feet forward to raise funds for a hearing loss charity.

A team of eight brave employees of Sutcliffe & Co, based in Foundry Street, Worcester, took part in the fundraiser Pulse Pursuits Arden Attack Duathlon, in Middle Spernall, Warwickshire, last month.

The challenge saw the team take on a gruelling off road run, followed by am 18 kilometre bike ride, and finished with another three kilometre off road run.

The team managed to raise an impressive £635 for the Worcestershire charity Deaf Direct, which is to be used to help local deaf and hard of hearing children and adults.

Duncan Sutcliffe, director of Sutcliffe & Co, said: "Deaf Direct is a great charity that benefits so many people.

"We were really excited to grab this opportunity to raise funds for them and challenge ourselves at the same time - many of our team members had never take part in such an event before.

"Everyone trained hard and it was worth all the pain to raise funds.

"The duathlon itself was well organised and it was great the weather was on our side for the event."

Philip Gerrard, chief executive of Deaf Direct, added: "We are grateful to Sutcliffe & Co for taking on such a gruelling challenge.

"Every day people with hearing loss face communication barriers and we hope the physical challenges the team faced helped them to appreciate how difficult it can be for deaf and hard of hearing people to overcome their own challenges.

"This year is Deaf Direct's 90th anniversary and we are pleased that local businesses are supporting our work.

"The funds raised could help provide 63 hours of information and advice for those face hearing loss, fund two places at our residential for deaf and hard of hearing children, or fund 10 hours of translation services for British Sign Language users.

"Hearing loss is invisible, we make sure the person isn't and we are thankful that Sutcliffe & Co has helped to change the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people."

Local businesses who would like to support the Deaf Direct fundraising can call Sarah Hindley on 01905 746 301, or email fundraising@deafdirect.org.uk.