Dufeu IT team raises over £1,000 for NASS at the amazing Northampton Run
The team took on the event to support NASS
A team from Wellingborough-based Dufeu IT swapped laptops for running shoes and cybersecurity for charity fundraising as they took part in this year's Amazing Northampton Run, raising more than £1,000 for the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS).
The team took on the event to support NASS, a charity that helps people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and joints.
For Dufeu IT's Michelle Du-feu, the cause is a particularly personal one, having been diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis after years of symptoms and uncertainty.
Dufeu IT entered teams into both the half marathon and relay events. Michelle Du-feu, Greg Dufeu and Luke Moloney completed the half marathon, while Julie-Ann Hammond, Iannick Pinto and Finley Shroll took part in the relay. Also running in support of the fundraising effort were Emma Legg, Emma Edwards and Lucy Birt.
Adding a fun twist to the day, the relay team embraced Dufeu IT's cybersecurity roots by running in hacker-themed fancy dress costumes, becoming a talking point among spectators around the course.
Michelle Du-feu said: "Several years ago, completing a half marathon would have felt impossible. Crossing the finish line was a huge personal milestone for me, but knowing we were raising money for NASS and helping raise awareness of axial spondyloarthritis made it even more meaningful. The support from everyone who donated, cheered us on and took part was incredible."
Julie-Ann Hammond said: "Running in fancy dress is not easy, but it was a fantastic way to support the Amazing Northampton Half Marathon and raise money for a great cause."
Greg Dufeu added:
"The Amazing Northampton Run is always such a great day and gets better every year! Well done to the runners, organisers and sponsors... and of course the Dufeu IT team for smashing it!"
The team praised the Amazing Northampton Run for bringing together runners, volunteers, local organisations and supporters from across Northamptonshire.
Michelle added: "The Amazing Northampton Run is such a fantastic community event. The atmosphere around the course was brilliant, and it's wonderful to see so many people coming together to support charities, challenge themselves and celebrate Northamptonshire."
At the time of writing, the team has raised more than £1,000 for NASS, with donations still being accepted.
Anyone wishing to support the fundraising effort can donate via the team's JustGiving page:
The Dufeu IT team would like to thank everyone who donated, supported the runners, volunteered at the event or came out to cheer participants along the route.