Galliford Try Partnerships North staff put Mind over matter in charity walk

Staff from Galliford Try Partnerships North put their best feet forward in a feat of endurance to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.

Over two gruelling days, the intrepid walkers trekked 65 miles of the Hadrian’s Way – along the route of the Roman Wall – from Carlisle to Newcastle, raising more than £8000 to help fund Mind’s work.

Stepping out were Hayley Bell, Tamsin Curtis, Alex Gallagher, Iain Mullen, Andrew Rennie – day one only due to work commitments – Dave Brown, Christopher Jamieson and Karl Lister, with the help of support driver Sean Nugent.

Proving they were prepared to go the extra mile, the team walked 14 hours on day one and a further ten hours on day two on a hike that provided plenty of ups and downs that weren’t just linked to the hills – a close call with a bull and a spilt pint due to an inquisitive wasp were just part of their adventure.

Hayley, social value co-ordinator and PA to the managing director, said: “We are all very proud to have completed the walk and raised a substantial amount for Mind.

“I certainly regret not doing any training, however!

“This challenge pushed us all to dig deep and demonstrated the importance of having support and someone to talk to when facing something challenging – an issue which is at the centre of Mind’s work.”

Chosen as the group’s adopted charity for the year, Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. It campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Emma Ihsan, Mind’s head of corporate partnerships, said: “We are so grateful to Galliford Try Partnerships for choosing us as their charity of the year.

“The money raised through this trek will help fund our vital work, which includes our Mind Infoline, information and advice services.

“Thank you to everyone who took part and made a donation so we can continue to be there for anyone who needs us.”

To date, Galliford Try Partnerships across the UK has raised more than £18,000 for Mind.

Staff will be taking part in a number of fundraising activities for the remainder of 2019, including sky diving, bake sales and a ‘bring your dog to work day.’