Dorset-based affordable housing specialist AJC Group has completed a week of punishing daily physical challenges, which culminated in the team hauling a hefty 4.5 tonne HealthBus along the beachfront to Bournemouth.
AJC Group is determined to raise £10,000 for local charity The HealthBus Trust, which provides essential healthcare and wellbeing to those experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas.
The HealthBus weighs a heavy 4.5 tonnes and was pulled and pushed using ropes and harnesses by a rotating crew of AJC Group staff, all along the promenade for a back-breaking 5km, starting in Sandbanks and finishing in Bournemouth.
The converted ambulance operates three to four days per week by The HealthBus Trust as a mobile clinic and has all the facilities of a medical practitioner’s office. It provides a safe and non-judgmental GP-led service to vulnerable adults in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole district, which has the highest number of rough sleepers outside of London.*
Collectively, the 35-strong AJC Group has also lifted the equivalent of 500 HealthBuses weighing 4.5 tonnes each, skipped the entire population of Bournemouth at 196,000, and jumped a total of 5,000 HealthBuses at a height of 273 cm each. The gruelling week-long challenge has left many with blistered covered hands.
David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “At one point, I think we were all unsure if we’d succeed in dragging the HealthBus along the beach, especially after a whole week of punishing physical challenges. We were all feeling broken, before we’d even started!
“But I’m delighted to say we did it – and it feels fantastic knowing we’re raising vital funds to support so many vulnerable people facing homelessness right here in our hometown. This is a charity that’s really close to our heart. Please help us raise our target and donate if you can.”
Deano Pickering, Executive Director at HealthBus Trust said: “No other company has gone to such monumental efforts as AJC Group – here’s a company that takes their social responsibility seriously and delivers what they set out to achieve.
“It was wonderful to see a large turnout at the beach, raising awareness for our life-saving initiatives. Funds raised by AJC Group will support vital health screenings for diabetes, hepatitis B & C, leg ulcers, and sexual health – all for the growing homeless population in Bournemouth and the surrounding area. Without these funds, our services face closure.”
To donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/ajc-group-1708943589751 or visit www.healthbus.co.uk.