Longest day challenge feat for accountants
24th July 2008More than £1,000 has been raised for a spinal treatment centre after a team of hardy accountants in Southampton walked 55 miles in 21 hours and 45 minutes.
The foot-sore staff from Smith & Williamson slogged up and down the hills of the Mid-Wiltshire Way and through torrential rain and thunder storms to complete The Longest Day challenge in aid of the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT).
Twenty-two people from the across the accountancy and financial services group - the UK's eighth largest - took part in the Wotton Rivers-to-Mere fundraiser they organised, with half dropping out.
Four of the original Southampton six made it - and in first place.
Smith & Williamson is championing SSIT after a former colleague at the Salisbury office sustained serious injuries to her cervical cord in a garden hammock accident two years ago.
The high standard of care Sally Mathieson was given by staff at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Hospital inspired the mother-of-three to create the charity.
Jon Adams, 30, from Bournemouth, who works as a manager in the assurance and business services department at Southampton, said: "It was hard work on rough hill tracks, with sleep deprivation, lashing rain and hail, soaking wet feet and the occasional thunderstorm thrown in for good measure, but the sense of achievement when we crossed the line made it all worthwhile."
Wendy Ho, 26, from Brockenhurst in the New Forest, who is a senior in the assurance and business services department at Southampton, said: "It was hard work on rough hill tracks, with sleep deprivation, lashing rain and hail, soaking wet feet and the occasional thunderstorm thrown in for good measure, but the sense of achievement when the team crossed the line made it worthwhile."
James Gill, 26, from Southampton, who is a semi-senior in the assurance and business services department at Southampton, said: "It was hard work on rough hill tracks, with sleep deprivation, lashing rain and hail, soaking wet feet and the occasional thunderstorm thrown in for good measure, but the sense of achievement when we crossed the line made it all worthwhile."
The Southampton team consisted of Jon Adams, James Gill, Wendy Ho, Will Perry, Indy Sangha and Alan Waters.
Back-up vehicle support came from colleagues Leigh-Anne Abrahams, Dan Holt, Ellen Ransome, Iwan Smith and Lin Zammit.
Last year Smith & Williamson raised more than £80,000 for SSIT through outdoor challenges.
For further information contact:
Kate Harrison / Layisha Laypang, 020 7131 4228 / 4550
Disclaimer
By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing.
Note to editors
Smith & Williamson is an independent professional and financial services group employing over 1,400 people. The group is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices and mid-to-large corporates. The group operates from offices in London, Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Guildford, Maidstone, Salisbury, Southampton and Worcester.
Smith & Williamson Limited
