Ombudsman five take on Tough Mudder

Five representatives from the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) are taking on the notorious Tough Mudder obstacle course this summer in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Step 2 It campaign.

Juliette Fletcher, Sam Keshavarzi, Anastasia May, Rosie Tackley and Tom Wicks will be competing in the Tough Mudder City 5K in Finsbury Park, London on Saturday 28 August.

The group will face a total of 13 world class obstacles and plenty of mud along the gruelling 5K course. They hope to raise £500 in the process and help generate vital funds to support those in the UK furnishing industry who are facing financial hardship or a personal crisis.

Juliette Fletcher, Ombudsman at the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman, said: “The work we do daily can help change lives as many customers turn to us to protect their rights, whilst businesses depend on our integrity and expertise to resolve issues that would otherwise end up in Court. 

“Pushing our physical and mental limits whilst collectively raising awareness and vital funds for this worthy cause presented us with another way of helping others critically affected by the Covid crisis.”

Since the start of the Covid pandemic, the charity has committed to award up to £1million in welfare grants to those who have had their livelihoods critically impacted by the crisis. Every penny that is raised will be match funded – doubling the value of donations by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry.

The independent, not-for profit and government approved Ombudsman has offered a range of services to its members and their customers for over a quarter of a century including independent alternative dispute resolution, training and advice. The Ombudsman helps to provide consumers with additional peace of mind and supports businesses and their customers in finding solutions when disputes occur, without the need for costly and lengthy litigation.

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Thank you to the team at the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman for braving the unforgiving Tough Mudder course in support of the Step 2 It campaign – we look forward to seeing the pictures of what I’m sure will be a fantastic day.

He added: “You can support Juliette, Sam, Anastasia, Rosie and Tom by making a donation to help them reach their fundraising target. What’s more, thanks to a generous benefactor, every donation they receive will be match funded, giving everyone double the reason to Step 2 It and sponsor their fundraiser.”