Softcat walk 100 miles in 40 hours to raise funds for GWT
On Friday 6th September, eight amazing individuals from Softcat’s South Coast office, in collaboration with their Armed Forces and Veterans Network, walked 100 miles along the South Downs Way raising funds for GWT.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust are thrilled to have been chosen as Softcat’s Armed Forces and Veterans Network Charity. The network aims to create a supportive community at Softcat that recognises and honours the unique experiences of armed forces veterans and those with family connections to both serving military personnel and emergency services workers.
The Network’s lead, Dominic Powell, served with Gurkhas overseas and in the UK, and proudly states that they are some of the bravest, most loyal and friendly people he has ever met.
The team’s driving force
The team feel passionately about the work that GWT undertakes across Nepal, and it inspired them to take on this epic challenge.
“Personally, I’m walking for The Gurkha Welfare Trust because I want to give back to the Gurkha community and support their welfare and wellbeing. The Trust does so much to improve the lives of these wonderful people, providing them with medical care, financial aid, education, and community development.”
Dominic Powell, Softcat’s IT Risk Manager
The Challenge of a lifetime
The challenge began in Eastbourne at 4.30am on Friday 6th September, where the incredible walkers; Marcus Dancer, Adam Englehart, Elliott Gray, Becky Moore, Dominic Powell, Danielle West, Chandler Long and Shannon West set on their way.
They were supported along their mammoth journey by a dedicated support crew; Katie Wilson, Grace Lovett, Trevor Collier, Nat Collier, Henning Speckels, Santos Muro, Samuel Ward, Nathan Adlard, Emily Rossdale, Jade Gray and Sarah Carpenter. They were on hand across the route to cook warm, delicious meals, and provide dry clothes for those inevitable British downpours!
“It rained and it poured, we walked up and we walked down, tears were shed, feet became blistered and we were broken. It’s the hardest challenge I have ever done, with some of the lowest times experienced, but it was the best few days all at the same time. It wouldn’t have been possible without this fantastic group of walkers and support crew!”
Marcus Dancer, Sofcat’s ICS Team Leader
View some photo’s of the team in action…
GWT Communication and Digital Co-ordinator, Heather Hitchins joined the team for the final leg of their journey:
“I was privileged to join the softcat team on the last leg of their epic 100km journey, walking with them from Beacon Hill into Winchester. I was astounded by thier determination to finish! Battling exhaustion, tired legs and blisters beyond belief, their spirits remained high, boosted by singing, chatting and telling jokes! It was nearly dark as we topped the final hill and looked down into Winchester and they dug in deep for the final push. Those last two miles probably felt like an eternity! Well done – that was a truly outstanding effort.”
A well-earned celebration
The team arrived at their finish point at Peninsula Barracks, Winchester, at 9.00pm on Saturday 7th September after walking for just over 40 hours. The team were welcomed in by family, friends, and GWT staff where they celebrated their victory.
The team so far have raised an incredible £3,955 to support our work across Nepal!
“It was incredible to watch everyone cross the finish line on Saturday evening. Our whole team, both here and in Nepal, are just in awe of the grit, determination, and cheer of them all. Working with Dom and the South Coast office towards this challenge has been a huge privilege and I feel very honoured to have been witness to all the hard work that’s gone into it. I’m so grateful to Softcat for choosing to support GWT and I am excited to be working with such a wonderful and inspiring team of people!”
Rebecca Foggitt, GWT’s Corporate Partnerships Officer