Jessica Alexander, outgoing executive director of the National Bed Federation, has raised over £1.6k for industry charity The Furniture Makers’ Company by hiking the Harrogate Ringway.

Jessica walked the popular 20-mile circuit which surrounds her hometown of Harrogate on Saturday 29 April. The length of the hike, which is classified as strenuous, was more than double Jessica’s normal daily walking distance. Supported along the way by friends, Jessica set off on her walk at 9am and crossed the finish line at 7pm.

Jessica had set herself the target of raising £1000 for the charity, but at last count, she had raised £1604 (including gift aid).

Jessica said: “I’m delighted to have completed my hike round Harrogate in one piece, thanks to the support and companionship of many friends. After 10 hours, 50,000 steps and the equivalent of 54 floors climbed, I was beginning to flag – but knowing I exceeded my fundraising target by over 50% makes the pain well worth the gain! There’s still time to donate on my Just Giving page.”

Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Huge congratulations to Jessica for completing this challenge and surpassing her target by raising over £1600 for our charity – what a fantastic achievement. Our charity has been supporting the welfare of people who work or have worked in the furniture and furnishing industry for 120 years. We are ever so grateful to any company or individual who assists us by raising vital funds for our cause.”

You can still support Jessica by donating through her JustGiving page.