UK Power Networks has now raised more than £48,500 for the Duke of Edinburgh charity
Over 300 UK Power Networks employees got ready to ramble – raising £40,000 in charity walk across London
Over 300 UK Power Networks employees took on a mammoth 20-mile Royal Ramble charity walk in aid of the Duke of Edinburgh charity.
Walkers gathered at Richmond Park in west London and finished at Potters Field Park by the iconic Tower Bridge.
Participants raised a whopping £40,000 for the charity on Friday May 24.
Teams of up to seven people took part in the whole-day event with many participants using the firm’s “donate-a-day” scheme – which allows employees to give something back to charity by being paid to do volunteer work twice a year.
The first walkers ‘home’ completed the trek in less than eight hours.
Duke of Edinburgh charity provided fitness training notes and fundraising advice.
Along the course, participants were provided food and drink at various checkpoints.
The money raised will go to the Duke of Edinburgh Award charity that helps young people gain skills for their future.
Head of Powercare, Mark Simmons, from London’s Bidder Street office said: “It’s really important for me to support charities such as the DofE as they provide young people from all types of backgrounds fantastic opportunities to develop new skills, grow in confidence and reach their full potential, which ultimately benefits our society.
“Aside from the finish line and raising money for a great cause, the day presents a great opportunity for team building with my team, and also colleagues from across the wider business.
“Initiatives, like Donate a Day, are a great way for employees to get together to support charities and local causes, but also for the company to give something back to the communities that we work in daily.”
Alex Sturge, head of media, communications and engagement said: “Our first Royal Ramble has proved to be a huge success, and it’s our biggest ever fundraiser with more than £40,000 raised for the DofE towards transforming young people’s skills and opportunities in life. It was amazing to see so many of our staff out enjoying the event, supported by colleagues back in the offices and out in the field.”
Alex McDowell, DofE director of fundraising said: “We are delighted that UK Power Networks staff have taken on this incredible challenge to support the DofE charity. The money raised will help us reach even more young people with a life-changing DofE programme, enabling them to build the skills and confidence to take on today’s toughest challenges.
“UK Power Networks has been a dedicated supporter of the DofE since 2016, enabling 1,600 young people to access the Award. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Royal Ramble.”
Factfile:
- The DofE offers young people, no matter who they are or where they live, the chance to learn new skills, discover hidden talents and follow passions they didn’t know they had.
- Each year, more than 300,000 young people start a DofE Award by volunteering in their local community, learning a new skill, taking part in regular physical activity and challenging themselves in an outdoor expedition.
- There are currently 545,000 young people actively working towards Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.
- Last year, young people gave almost 4.7 million hours of volunteering time through their DofE, with a value of nearly £25 million in worked hours.
