Xenia team raise the bar with charity fitness challenge

Head of lettings Jennifer Brown, senior lettings negotiator Liam Lowe, senior estates manager Jae Manwaring and marketing coordinator Kirsty Johnston completed the circuit in one hour, two minutes and 39 seconds, beating the 90-minute target by nearly 27 minutes.

Jennifer said: “We were incredibly excited to take part in the challenge in support of the MS Society. It was a fantastic opportunity to really push ourselves, come together as a team and help raise awareness and funds for an important cause.

“Everyone gave it their all. The circuit was a true test of physical and mental resilience but we rose to the challenge and crossed the finish line in a fantastic time.”

Xenia, which operates nationwide from its headquarters in Sale and offices in Bradford and Sunderland, is raising further funds for the MS Society during the rest of 2026.

The company, which specialises in residential and student lettings alongside the management of apartment blocks and commercial estates, chooses good causes to champion from nominations by team members, often based on a personal connection.

The MS Society is a standout charity for Xenia executive director Farrah McWilliam, whose mother was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 29.

Farrah said: “This is a charity that is incredibly close to my heart.

“Growing up, I watched my mum change from someone who loved being outdoors, taking us on walks for miles, diving from waterfalls and doing everything she could to give us the best childhood to someone who needed to rest after walking less than half a mile.

“Sadly, she has now reached the point where she can no longer walk or lift herself independently.

“Although my mum now relies on carers for her day-to-day support, she remains my biggest cheerleader, my best friend and someone who would do anything for anyone.

“She has an incredible ability to make everyone around her laugh despite everything she has faced. As difficult as my mum’s experience has been, I also know that MS can progress differently and can have an even more devastating impact on others.

“This is why supporting organisations such as the MS Society and raising awareness of multiple sclerosis is so important.

“Although there is currently no cure, early diagnosis, access to treatment and ongoing support can help people manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

“I’m extremely proud that Xenia is supporting such an important cause this year, and I hope that together we can help raise vital funds and awareness for everyone affected by MS.”

Mark Haymes, head of community and events fundraising at the MS Society, said: “We are so thankful to Xenia for taking on this challenge to support our work.

“Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, with 135 diagnosed each week. How we treat MS has been transformed in the last 20 years, but we still need to find treatments that work for everyone.

“Support like this helps to drive forward our research programme and provide vital support and guidance for everyone affected by MS.”