Dortech MD Runs 60 Miles non-stop for Local Hospice in Community Fundraiser
James Sutherland, Managing Director of Huddersfield-based Dortech Group, completed an extraordinary 60-mile non-stop ultra-endurance run along the Huddersfield Canal on Wednesday, 23rd April, raising close to £3,000 for The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.
Beginning at 4:00 AM, James ran repeated loops of a 3.5-mile stretch of the Huddersfield Canal — which flows directly behind Dortech’s headquarters — for a full 12 hours non-stop, highlighting both the beauty of the local canal network and the importance of community-driven support.
“This challenge was about more than personal endurance,” said James. “It was about giving something back to the Huddersfield community that we’ve been proud to be part of for over 30 years. The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice does vital work for local families, and it was an honour to run in their name.”
The event, which also aimed to raise awareness of the Huddersfield canal path and support the Canal & River Trust, was carefully risk-assessed and managed to avoid public disruption, with no spectators encouraged and live footage streamed from GoPro cameras. Dortech HQ was used as the event base, offering rest facilities and first aid for participants.
James was accompanied throughout the day by a rotating team of eight other runners, who joined him at various stages to provide encouragement, support, and camaraderie along the route. Together, the nine runners covered a remarkable 183.75 miles on the Huddersfield Canal. Dortech were also delighted to welcome Stephen Prendergast and Nathan Church from CPG UK Ltd as guest participants. The event was made even more memorable thanks to the efforts of the in-house Charity Fundraising Team—led by Suzanne and supported by Ann, Roxanne, Shahab and Kimy—who coordinated everything from raffle prizes to filming, to homemade cakes, bringing all three companies together in a shared community effort.
The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, located just a few miles from Dortech’s offices, supports children with life-shortening conditions and their families. It relies on charitable donations to continue its vital services across West Yorkshire.
This latest fundraising initiative is part of Dortech’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, with a strong focus on supporting Huddersfield-based charities and causes that directly benefit the local area.
