Cash for Kids North and West Yorkshire is continuing its work to support disadvantaged children and young people across the region.
A Leeds energy consultancy boss has completed a gruelling 74km treadmill challenge to raise money for disadvantaged children across North and West Yorkshire. Kieran Dixon, Group Managing Director of Smarta Energy, ran continuously for eight hours on Earth Day as part of a fundraiser for Cash for Kids North and West Yorkshire. The challenge, titled ‘Running 9–5’, saw Mr Dixon spend a full working day on a treadmill at Smarta Energy’s Leeds headquarters, running from 9am to 5pm.
The event aimed to raise more than £10,000 for the charity, with final figures still being counted. Early indications suggest the fundraiser received strong backing from both the local community and the wider energy sector. As part of the Earth Day initiative, Smarta Energy also pledged to fund the planting of one tree for every kilometre completed. Mr Dixon’s 74km effort means 74 new trees will be supported through the campaign.
The challenge brought together a number of partners from across the energy industry, including ENGIE, EDF, Valda Energy Limited and Crown Gas and Power, who joined the event through 10-minute ‘treadmill takeover’ slots. Live donation updates, Q&As and interactive challenges helped keep supporters engaged throughout the day.
Kieran Dixon, who hit marathon distance by mid-afternoon, said the event was about more than just fundraising.
“This is about bringing the industry together for something bigger than ourselves,” he explained. “We wanted to raise as much as possible for Cash for Kids while showing how the energy sector can have a real, positive impact both socially and environmentally.”
Smarta Energy, a Leeds-based digital energy consultancy, specialises in sustainable procurement, cost-saving strategies, carbon management and Net Zero support for businesses. The company has a long-standing partnership with Cash for Kids North and West Yorkshire, having previously supported the charity through a team skydive and regular volunteering.
A company spokesperson said: “Events like Running 9–5 demonstrate that business success and community impact can, and should, go hand in hand.”
Kayleigh Beecroft, from Cash for Kids, praised Smarta Energy’s continued support, describing the company as ‘genuine and passionate’ supporters who consistently go above and beyond to help disadvantaged children and families in the region. Smarta Energy said the fundraiser reflected its wider mission to help businesses view energy not simply as a cost, but as a strategic asset.
Through grants and fundraising campaigns, Cash for Kids provides vital support to young people and families who may have nowhere else to turn. The charity helps fund essential services, equipment and practical assistance designed to improve the lives of children facing difficult circumstances.
If you’re able to support, it would mean a lot www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk
