A team of workers from a Hull facilities management company faced – and conquered – a gruelling challenge for a local charity.
RES Group, based at Henry Boot Way, puts its heart and soul into fundraising for local good causes and most recently, One Punch Hull (OPH) came into its sights. After a presentation to the firm by the charity, founded by the family of one punch victim Scott Akester, its employees adopted it as one of its charities for the year.
Terry Gorbutt, fleet and stores manager at RES, co-ordinated a Welsh Three Peaks endeavour by “Team RES”. It included Terry, Simon Champion, Colin Smith, Adi Whitehead, Kieran Musgrave, Izaak Gorbutt, Peter Braimbridge, Sarah Gorbutt and not forgetting Carrie the sprocker spaniel.
Terry said: “We’ve done two main events this year – the first was for Cancer Research and Dementia UK, because of the staff of the company who have relatives affected – and the rest of this year we are all about One Punch Hull. One of our staff members is the husband of someone who helps OPH.
“Last year, we were fundraising for Andy’s Man Club. We like to spread the love around local charities; we employ lots of local people.”
He said the Welsh Three Peaks was “fantastic but hard work”. It involved 237 miles of cycling and the ascent of two hills and a mountain.
In a post about the achievement, Team RES said: “Well that is it. We did it. The Welsh Three Peaks is done and dusted.
“An amazing effort by all that attended, from the cyclists, the climbers and the admin team and a dog. Hats off, you did a grand job. Kept smiling, riding, eating and sleeping … slept rough ‘ish’ for four nights, showered little.” Hilly terrain and some “testing weather conditions” all added to the adventure with “memories made for life”, the team said.
On the team’s JustGiving appeal page, Lisa Connor, CEO of RES Group, said: “RES Group will be fundraising for a well-deserved local charity ‘One Punch Hull’ during 2025. One Punch Hull is a local Hull and East Yorkshire charity that raises awareness of the risk of one punch attacks and the devastating effects it can have on victims and their family and friends.
“Created by Debbie and Steve after the tragic death of their son Scott, they have been busy raising awareness through schools, groups and more of the impact this can have. RES Group are privileged to support this fantastic charity through 2025.
“Throughout 2025, staff members will complete various charity events in support of One Punch Hull. This page has been set up for you to support this charity and help motivate those taking part in achieving their own goals throughout the year.
“If you can, please spare a little so One Punch Hull can spread the word and prevent incidents like the tragic death of their son ever happening again.”
Terry said he expected all kinds of things cropping up during the year to add to the fundraising and awareness for OPH. “Last year our main event was covering the distance from Hull to Paris in 24 hours.
“People were walking, running, cycling and there were 21 miles of ‘sea’ so people were swimming or rowing. Everyone at RES got involved, including the office staff.
(Image: res.group)
“It’s a really good, family orientated business. I don’t know what the big event next year will be but I’ve started the thought process.”
There are links on the company’s website to its charitable causes where people can find out more information and donate in support of the staff efforts. Debbie Akester, of OPH, said: “OPH is very proud of everyone involved from RES Group who agreed to take on this challenge raising funds for our charity.
“It’s a fantastic achievement and raising our profile across their workforce through their fundraising and agreeing for us to be their charity of the year is a great privilege for us. Thanks to everyone who has donated.
“It will allow us to continue our work in raising awareness of the risks and devastation caused by one punch. Changing behaviours and saving lives are the aims of our charity. Well done and thank you.”
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