OVER the last year, Westbury based Mercedes Benz dealership Rygor have raised more than £24,000 for it's chosen charities of 2017.

The company set up a year initiative in which staff members nominated local charities to benefit from their fundraising efforts over the year.

The team chose three charities, James Hopkins Trust, Dorothy House Hospice Care and Bath Cats & Dogs Home.

Since then they have held several fundraising events including, quiz nights, Christmas Tree collections, selection box donations, a masked ball and even The Three Peaks Challenge which saw some brave members of staff climb three of the highest mountains in the UK.

Through their efforts Rygor raised £24,165 which was split equally between the three charities.

Tim Stacey, Rygor managing director, said: “It has been fantastic to have been able to focus our company’s fundraising on three such special causes over the past year. It is always a proud moment to see our team come together to give back to the local community and I want to thank everyone who has helped us achieve such a brilliant fundraising amount.”

Rachel Jones, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Bath cats & Dogs Home, said: “Our partnership with Rygor has been such a highlight of the last 18 months.

"Their team’s passion and commitment to raising money for Bath Cats and Dogs Home and learning more about our work and the animals we care for has been phenomenal."

Henrietta Beard, corporate fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “The outstanding amount raised for Dorothy House Hospice Care over the past 18 months has been as a result of a huge team effort from the enthusiastic and dynamic staff at Rygor.

"I know that the work of Dorothy House is close to many of their hearts and this sum will help us to continue to deliver excellence in end of life care that is free of charge.”

Sarah James, head of fundraising at James Hopkins Trust, said: "We are overwhelmed that the thoughtful, committed team from Rygor has changed our world. Their energy compassion and generosity has filled our hearts and helped us fulfil our aim to provide nursing respite and support to families in Gloucestershire with a young child who is life limited or life threatened. They truly have made a difference to our cause.”