STAFF at a Basingstoke business are hoping to pull in the pounds for Ark Day by rowing non-stop for 12 hours.

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee at Unum has organised a rowing relay to take place at the firm’s Basing View offices to raise money for Ark Cancer Centre Charity, which is its charity partner of the year.

Frankie Kebby, a community champion at Unum, hopes to encourage staff to take part, and said: “The relay will run with 15 minute sessions per person between 6am and 6pm. If people feel they can do longer or would like to row more than one throughout the day then they can go for it. What heroes!”

The insurance business is hoping to gain the support of other Basing View businesses to put forward a team to use a second rowing machine running side-by-side, providing some healthy competition.

Unum has also volunteered to help out with bucket collections in the town centre on Ark Day, and staff will be responsible for various two-hour slots throughout the day.

Andy Brown, Unum’s charity champion, said: “We chose Ark Cancer Centre Charity as our partner for this year because it is such an important cause for Basingstoke and will provide a vital facility for people living in the town.

“We have organised various fundraising events for Ark, including a quiz, summer party, comedy night and raffles. We are really looking forward to being involved in Ark Day and hope that the people of Basingstoke unite to support such an important local charity, and also have some fun at the same time.

“We are proud to support Ark Day and hope that other businesses will follow our lead by coming up with their own challenges to raise funds.”

Unum is also sponsoring a comedy night on August 2, teaming up with two other Ark supporters - comedian Jan Jack and the Apollo Hotel, which is hosting the event.

To buy tickets for Laugh For Ark visit

wegottickets.com/event/465040

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