Door Industry Journal - Winter 2012

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal winter 2012 industry news JIM - IRONMAN - RODGER Jim Rodger of the Teckentrup Depot successfully achieved Ironman status with his impressive 566th place out of 1500 in the Bolton Ironman event. His time of 13 hours 31 minutes is a great achievement and well under the 17 hour limit. The new status entitles Jim to get himself an ironman tattoo - no news on whether he’s got it yet! “I was really pleased with the way the day went and my bike section surpassed my expectations, but boy, was it tough! The days after the event were, to be honest, agony but I know everyone likes to see me suffer!” Said Jim “The fundraising total is £1759, just off my £2000 target, from 41 kind individuals, so my pain has been well rewarded and all the proceeds are going to the outstanding place that is the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital - thanks to one and all for your support. If you want to donate just visit http://www.justgiving.com/Jim-Rodger0 ” AN HISTORIC CELEBRATION FOR DHF GARAGE DOOR GROUP JOINT CHAIR, JULIE CHESTER Thousands of runners braved wet and windy weather to take part in Preston’s first Guild Marathon. Amongst them was Julie Chester, joint chair of the DHF Garage Door Group who was running her first 26.2 mile event. A total of 4650 competitors took part in a full and half marathon, and crowds of well wishers lined the streets to offer support. Whilst no comparison in scale to other big city races, a number of roads were closed in Preston to allow runners to fully experience the city. The undulating course wasn’t made any easier by the poor conditions but Julie was pleased to complete the distance in a credible 4 hours 10 minutes. The Marathon was organised as part of the Guild series of races. Preston Guild is an historic celebration, which dates back to 1179 - sharing a heritage of over 800 years. It is the only Guild still celebrated in the UK and, as such, is truly unique. Held only once every 20 years, Julie reckons she has an excuse not to run the Preston Guild Marathon again - at least not until 2032. 8 Jim & proud son Matthew HÖRMANN ON TOP OF THE WORLD Earlier this year the MD of Hörmann’s largest reseller in Norway unfurled a Hörmann flag on the top of the world as he fulfilled his dream to climb Mount Everest. 54 year old Arvid Lahti is a passionate mountaineer and has scaled many peaks over 16,000 ft including the Cho Oyu the world’s sixth highest peak at 26,906 ft. However the challenge and danger of an ascent of Everest was always his goal. Sponsorship from Hörmann was a key part of the fundraising package needed for the two month trip. Acclimatisation at base camp prior to the climb is essential and the dangers are ever present. Only days before this ascent, two climbers lost their lives on the dangerous descent from the mountain. On returning to his home town of Masfjorden, Lahti was both exhilarated and exhausted, “It was a long trip and was actually much harder than I thought it would be,” says Lahti. “I had read several reports from others who had made it to the top, but I have to say that the trip was much more difficult than anything you can read about in a book.” He blocked out the actual dangers of the journey whilst on the mountain. “It was only clear to us after we reached the bottom again that we had been in mortal danger each and every day. This is a dream come true and I will remember it for the rest of my life. Reaching the peak of Mount Everest is the greatest experience for most mountaineers and standing at the top and looking out over the entire world is a feeling like no other,” he adds. Lahti is also thankful for the support provided by Hörmann. “I never would have been able to finance this journey without such a sponsor. Hörmann played an important role in my reaching the top of Mount Everest.”