Furniture industry stalwart Jessica Alexander is putting her best foot forward this spring and preparing for a one-day hike of the picturesque Harrogate Ringway, raising money in aid of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity.

Jessica, who many in the trade will know as the executive director of trade association the National Bed Federation, is walking the popular 20-mile circuit which surrounds her hometown of Harrogate on Saturday 29 April. Jessica hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity, which has been supporting the welfare of furnishing industry people for 120 years.

Jessica said: “It may not sound like much of a challenge to all those marathon runners/mountain climbers etc, but it’s nearly double the distance I normally walk these days and it’s classed as strenuous – so I’ll definitely be feeling it after nine hours or so on the go.

“This year is my 44th year working in the furniture industry and I feel passionate about giving back to the trade that has given me so much. The Furniture Makers’ Company, our industry charity, not only helps those in need through its welfare programme but is actively engaged in encouraging new blood and young talent – the industry makers and leaders of the future and that is so worth supporting.”

Please support Jessica by donating through her JustGiving page