The UK’s community bank, Metro Bank, gives every colleague a Day to Amaze – essentially a paid day off to support a local charity or good cause. Four colleagues from Luton Metro Bank – Mohammed Alam, Riz Aslam, Humaira Ali, and Sheraz Zulfiqar successfully completed a challenging 17-mile hike to the top of the Peak District, raising £430 for the Luton Foodbank.
The Luton Foodbank, which has been a crucial resource for many families, offers support to those facing food insecurity. Donations like this help ensure that the charity can continue providing essential services to the local community.
The adventurous group braved heavy rains, muddy trails, and frequent wrong turns but remained determined to complete their mission in support of the local charity. The hike, filled with unexpected detours through farms and private land, saw the colleagues lose their route five to six times before finding the right path. Despite the challenges, the team enjoyed coffee with locals and took the opportunity to visit museums that showcased the rich history of the Peak District.
In a humorous twist, the group forgot to pack their lunch, but they were fortunately rescued by a friendly hiking group who shared their provisions. With the resilience and teamwork, the Luton Metro Bank colleagues pressed on to the summit, raising much needed funds for the local foodbank.
“We faced a lot of unexpected challenges, from getting lost to battling the weather, but the support we received from each other and the community kept us going” says Riz Aslam, Luton Metro Bank Assistant Store Manager. “It wasn’t just a hike - it was a reminder of how strong we can be when we work together. Raising £430 for Luton Foodbank made every step worthwhile.”
Mohammad Alam, Luton Metro Bank Customer Service Representative added: “We had an unforgettable experience – tackling everything from rain to wrong turns! But we knew it was worth it to help such a vital cause. It was a true adventure, and we’re proud of what we achieved for Luton Foodbank.”
If you would like to donate, please click here.
Metro Bank’s Luton store at 10-20 Castle Street, Luton, LU1 3AJ. The store is currently open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm and Saturdays 11am to 4pm. Luton Metro Bank is also part of the Safe Space scheme – the store is available to anyone experiencing, or at risk of domestic abuse, providing the opportunity to safely call a helpline, support service or loved one.