A GRUELLING 24-mile trek across the Yorkshire Moors has seen Solvay Oldbury raise £6,000 for a hospital’s charity appeal.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity received the funding boost for its Elderly Care Appeal thanks to the fundraising efforts of staff at the Black Country chemical manufacturer.

A group of staff from the Oldbury company’s site in Trinity Street, together with family and friends, raised the money by braving scorching weather in June to complete the challenging trek.

The donation will help the appeal invest in interactive software and other activities for its elderly care wards, including MyLife systems – units that run a wide range of therapeutic tools and memory related activities specifically designed for people with dementia.

Solvay Oldbury’s Vic Walters, who helped to organise the trek, said: “Several members of our walking team have relatives who have been diagnosed with dementia, hence the Elderly Care Appeal is a cause that is close to their hearts.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who generously sponsored our efforts and helped us to reach our £6,000 fundraising goal.”

Rachel Learmonth, senior fundraiser for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, said: “This is a fantastic boost for our appeal and we would like to thank all the walkers and sponsors who have made it possible.”