National Waiters’ Day Race sped into action at Wivenhoe House hotel when hotel staff and hospitality students took part in this charity fund-raiser.

The campaign, led by The Springboard Charity and fronted by TV celebrity Fred Sirieix, celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. The annual event, which runs simultaneously around the country, highlights the dedication, skills and hard work of front of house staff, as well as the great potential for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry, which employs 2.9 million people in the UK.

Balancing loaded trays of glasses and bottles the runners including students from The Edge Hotel School, at the University of Essex, raced to the finish line where prizes, including bottles of Champagne, awaited the winners.

General Manager at Wivenhoe House Oliver Brown said: “A career in hospitality means no two days are ever the same, racing for charity is just another example of how different each day can be.  We are proud to support The National Waiters’ Day Race and look forward to this celebration of this wonderful industry.”

Fred Sirieix, founder of National Waiters’ Day and presenter of First Dates on Channel 4, said: “To be celebrating our fifth year of National Waiters’ Day is a wonderful milestone! It’s essential that we promote the ocean of career opportunities hospitality has to offer, celebrate the hard work of front of house professionals, and encourage more people to begin great careers in hospitality. With all the opportunities available, you can work hard and be rewarded with success – there has never been a more exciting time to join this special industry.”

Winner, Mariya Kovacheva