Capgemini Sailing Challenge exceeds fundraising targets for Crimestoppers

The largest single donation ever made to Crimestoppers has been raised by representatives of the police service in the Capgemini Sailing Challenge.

On September 27, teams from 20 police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland set sail from the Isle of Wight on a journey of 60 nautical miles. Costs were covered by consulting, technology and outsourcing firm Capgemini and all monies raised are being donated to independent charity Crimestoppers.

The ambitious target of £100,000 has been exceeded with £185,432 collected to date and more sponsorship continuing to arrive.

Michael Laurie CBE, chief executive of Crimestoppers, praised the efforts of the team behind the challenge: “The sailing challenge brought together our partners, the police and business. I am very grateful to all of them; to Capgemini for sponsoring this imaginative challenge and to the police forces who took part, raising a considerable deal of money to help us with our work.”

The event was organised to celebrate Crimestoppers’ 20th year with money raised going towards national initiatives such as the creation of a toolkit for neighbourhood policing teams and further development of the Crimestoppers youth website.

Anyone still wishing to sponsor their local team can do so on the fundraising website at www.uk.capgemini.com/sailing.