Cumbrian Challenge for Walking With The Wounded

We are proud supporters of Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), a leading military charity which has been changing lives and helping those who have served since 2010.

At Sunbelt Rentals we recognise the challenging path ex-service personnel may face and support this community in every way possible. This case study focuses on us helping to raise money and awareness by taking part in the annual Cumbrian Challenge 2022.

Challenge

The 10th Cumbrian Challenge was held in May 2022. The event sees participants fundraise in one of the three different hiking routes available across Langdales in the Lake District.  Participants start at Grasmere and can choose to take on the Peak (10K), the Tough (26k) or the Tougher (32k) routes, with each team of three or four having a target of raising £2,000.

The more people take part, the more funds the charity receives to provide vital support to wounded veterans. This could be to help them find suitable employment; to receive mental health support, signposting to life changing services around housing or the justice service and helping the wider family adapt and settle into their new lives.

Solution

Sunbelt Rentals was proud to take part in the 2022 event, entering 36 UK team-mates, plus four from the United States – totalling 10 teams of four. They all took on the challenge to complete one of the three routes, between 12k and 32k.

Our volunteers came from all areas of Sunbelt Rentals, with many of them spending weeks and even months preparing to ensure their own personal fitness levels could take on the challenging climb. Every team member reached out to work colleagues, family and friends to raise as much as possible for this great cause and they really put themselves to the test by taking part.

Results

Our teams all successfully completed the challenge. We are incredibly proud of their efforts, which together raised over £11,000 to support UK veterans.

We know this money will go to extremely worthy causes and will make a lasting difference to some of those who have served and been injured whilst on duty. Our Armed Forces give so much for this country, and we were honoured to be able to give something back.

The day had so many positive impacts, not just for the veterans but also for our teams taking part. The time spent preparing and training led to a cross network of bonds being built and great teamwork on the day, meaning everyone achieved their personal challenges in Cumbria.

We look forward to continuing our support for Waking With The Wounded for many years to come, and in 2023 will take back 50+ employees - continuing to grow our partnership and spread the word about the vital work this inspirational charity delivers to those who need it most.