Four colleagues from Xenia, a property company based in Sale, Greater Manchester, have raised vital funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society by completing a gruelling fitness event. The team tackled the inaugural DEKA IGNITE challenge at Manchester Central, finishing the course in just over one hour—nearly 27 minutes ahead of their target.
Challenge Details and Team Effort
The DEKA IGNITE course featured a 5km run combined with rowing and weights, testing both physical and mental endurance. The team—head of lettings Jennifer Brown, senior lettings negotiator Liam Lowe, senior estates manager Jae Manwaring, and marketing coordinator Kirsty Johnston—pushed themselves to the limit, crossing the finish line together in a remarkable time.
Jennifer Brown expressed the team's enthusiasm: “We were incredibly excited to take part in the challenge in support of the MS Society. It was a fantastic opportunity to really push ourselves, come together as a team and help raise awareness and funds for an important cause.” She added, “Everyone gave it their all. The circuit was a true test of physical and mental resilience, but we rose to the challenge and crossed the finish line in a fantastic time.”
Personal Connection to the Cause
The charity holds deep personal significance for Farrah McWilliam, executive director at Xenia, who nominated the MS Society because her mother was diagnosed with the condition at age 29. McWilliam shared her family's story: “Growing up, I watched my mum change from someone who loved being outdoors, taking us on walks for miles, diving from waterfalls and doing everything she could to give us the best childhood to someone who needed to rest after walking less than half a mile.”
She continued: “Sadly, she has now reached the point where she can no longer walk or lift herself independently. Although my mum now relies on carers for her day-to-day support, she remains my biggest cheerleader, my best friend and someone who would do anything for anyone. She has an incredible ability to make everyone around her laugh despite everything she has faced.”
Broader Impact of MS
McWilliam emphasised the importance of supporting the MS Society, noting that MS can affect individuals differently. “As difficult as my mum’s experience has been, I also know that MS can progress differently and can have an even more devastating impact on others. This is why supporting organisations such as the MS Society and raising awareness of multiple sclerosis is so important,” she said.
She added: “Although there is currently no cure, early diagnosis, access to treatment, and ongoing support can help people manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.” McWilliam concluded: “I’m extremely proud that Xenia is supporting such an important cause this year, and I hope that together we can help raise vital funds and awareness for everyone affected by MS.”
MS Society's Response and Ongoing Commitment
Mark Haymes, head of community and events fundraising at the MS Society, expressed gratitude: “We are so thankful to Xenia for taking on this challenge to support our work.” He highlighted the scale of MS in the UK: “Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, with 135 diagnosed each week. How we treat MS has been transformed in the last 20 years, but we still need to find treatments that work for everyone.”
Haymes added: “Support like this helps to drive forward our research programme and provide vital support and guidance for everyone affected by MS.” Xenia, which operates across the country from its Sale base, plans to continue fundraising for the MS Society throughout the year, selecting charities based on personal recommendations from team members.
