Four teams of staff at Cambridgeshire development company This Land have walked their socks off and raised £645 for its charity of the year, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, by virtually walking the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats in only 30 days.
The company’s June Walking Challenge saw groups of staff getting together to stretch their legs and raise money at the same time. Every kilometre walked – whether it was around the block with the dog, a big weekend hike or even a spell on the treadmill – counted towards the goal of reaching the 874 miles (1,407 km) that separates the two furthest flung points of mainland UK.
In the end, the four teams smashed their original target and covered the distance in only 17 days. However, they continued walking and covered a total of 1,442 miles (2,322 km) in 30 days.
The team results were as follows:
- Quads of Fury 376 miles (605 km)
- Let’s Get Ready to Ramble 442 miles (712 km)
- One Step Beyond 325 miles (523 km)
- Red Hot Chilli Steppers 299 miles (482 km)
The company’s top trotter was Ollie Leck, who covered 147 miles (236 km). He was closely followed up by Ibby Khan who walked 136 miles (220 km) and Harriet Mason who achieved 134 miles (215 km).
As well as getting fitter and having fun, the funds raised along the way will be donated to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. It supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. The charity provides its services free of charge to more than 4,100 patients a year at its hospice, day treatment centre and at home.
David Lewis, CEO of This Land, said: “We have had great fun building up some friendly rivalry between our office teams, and everyone has enjoyed getting out in the fresh air for a walk in what has been the hottest British June since records began. We are delighted to be able to support Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, which does fantastic work helping patients and families in the area, and I’m very proud of our teams for their fundraising efforts.”