Salisbury firms conquer Hadrian's Wall
On one of the hottest weekends of the summer, five teams of intrepid walkers - including four corporate groups from Salisbury - walked 84 miles in under 48 hours along one of the UK’s most famous landmarks, and in so doing raised more than £12,000 for the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT).
The Hadrian’s Wall 84:48 Challenge, which was led by accountancy firm Smith & Williamson, involved 21 people walking a combined distance of over 1700 miles in less than two days. Two teams were made up of Smith & Williamson staff, and one each came from Morgan Roberts and Savills. A further team was made up of SSIT supporters from the region.
SSIT Trustee Jeremy Major, who led one of Smith & Williamson teams, commented: “This was a really tough challenge with some difficult walking at a good pace. Our legs and feet took a real battering but the spectacular views on route, combined with the knowledge that we were raising money for SSIT, made it worthwhile.”
Starting at Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne, it was a good four hours hard walking on tarmac before the teams had reached the open countryside and the ruins of the wall at Heddon-on-the-Wall. With two long days of walking ahead of them, there was little time to stop and appreciate the ruins and the beautiful rugged landscape of Northern England – the teams marched on, enduring scorching sunshine and blistered feet. Their support vehicles kept them well-fed and watered and even supplied ice foot baths to one lucky team.
Event organiser Rebecca Combes of Smith & Williamson said: “I’m so proud of all the teams that took part. It was a huge effort and we are very grateful for people giving so much time and energy to complete the challenge. Our thanks also go to everyone who sponsored and supported the teams.”
The money raised from this event will go to support the Jubilee Garden appeal, funding a rehabilitation garden at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury. In addition to this £100,000 appeal, SSIT continues to provide grants to individuals paralysed following a spinal cord injury to purchase specialized equipment needed to lead an independent life.
If you would like to support the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge for SSIT, please send a cheque made payable to SSIT, to 21 Chipper Lane, Salisbury SP1 1BG or donate online at www.ssit.org.uk
For further information please contact Sue Hall on 01252 323914/07769 953 537
Email: Sue Hall
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 1,500 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. It operates from offices in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Glasgow, Guildford, Salisbury, Southampton and Worcester.
Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Limited is an independent company which works alongside Smith & Williamson to complement its specialist financial advisory services.
Smith & Williamson Limited
Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.
