Read about how a team of Esker employees chose to take part in a 25k hiking challenge to raise money for our chosen local charity, Children First Derby, enacting our philosophy of One Team Beyond Boundaries.
Back in September, myself and 8 of my fellow Esker colleagues took part in a 25k hiking challenge through the beautiful Peak District National Park, and wow, what an experience!
I’m a keen walker and love the great outdoors, so I took up the hobby almost a decade ago and soon became addicted! For me it’s the draw of exploring beautiful places and the thrill of unexpected adventures! The exercise element and physical benefit of being in the outdoors for me are merely a bonus.
For me, the hiking challenge was an opportunity to take part in something I love but also to share my passion and hopefully inspire some of my fellow work colleagues to join me! When I suggested the idea I was blown away with the response. In the end there were 9 of our team that took part, but a fair few more would certainly have participated if they had been able to. The support we had from the whole team at Esker was amazing!
25k is no walk in the park even for experienced walkers and as part of the challenge we had to also navigate our own route using a map ensuring we hit certain checkpoints. To add to that, the Peak District National Park (the clue is in the title) is certainly not flat! Still, all that aside, I signed us up to the challenge in the spring, giving us a few months to prepare. It was an official event organised by a local company Wilderness Development. The date was set for Saturday 17th September; to complete the 25k circuit in 9 hours (ideally without getting lost!)
As a team we were a real mixture of experience! Some who walk regularly, some who had never done anything like this before. For most it was going to be the longest hike they had ever done. In the weeks leading up to the hike it was amazing to see the commitment and dedication of the team. Practice walks were being done, some together, some individually, plus, all the necessary hiking boots and equipment being purchased in advance. This was really being taken seriously!
Alongside the challenge itself we wanted to use the opportunity to do some good and fundraise for a local charity close to our office in Derby. We visited Children First Derby so we could get an understanding of what they do and the ways in which they support local vulnerable children, young people and struggling families. They do this by offering a variety of support services as well as running trips and activities for children who would otherwise never get the opportunity. In these challenging times the need for such services has never been greater. As a team we made the decision to support the charity with our hike and set up a Just Giving page with the target of raising £1,000.
All preparations in place, the big day finally came round! We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The weather in the Peaks can be notoriously unpredictable, but the sun shone down on us all day!
There could be no better example of our philosophy One Team Beyond Boundaries. I may have led the organisation on the challenge but it was a real team effort. From route planning, to carrying equipment, to getting in the donations, every single person played their part to make it a success.
I noted on the day, as we hiked along the top of the stunning Baslow Edge (after climbing a very steep hill!) That we actually had a member from every department on the hike! From myself in the Admin team, to Sales, Professional Services, Customer Experience, Marketing and the Print Centre. This wasn’t intentional, just a true representation of how we all come together and integrate at Esker.
So the question is… did we do it?! Yes we did! And within the target time of less than 9 hours.
It was an amazing day, but it wasn’t easy. We all relied on each other for support and to pull each other along when it got tough. Through aches, pains, big hills and the moments when it felt like it would never end!
The sense of achievement for us all was incredible. I know we were all so proud of each other! To top it off we raised an incredible £1,500 for our chosen charity Children First Derby, who were thrilled to be able to spend the money on a half term activity for their supported children.
On a personal note, it was important for me that everyone enjoyed this experience and I think its safe to say we now have a real team of Esker hikers! The benefits of walking and the outdoors can have such a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Even a short walk at lunchtime can increase productivity and energy for the afternoon.
I expect next year we will have even more colleagues joining us for a challenge, so watch this space! We really are One Team Beyond Boundaries!
