Our 24-hour walking challenge raises over £3000

In June, two teams from Kreston Reeves successfully completed their 24-hour walking challenge in aid of local Kent, Sussex and London-based charities.

One team took on the South Downs Way whilst the other tackled the North Downs Way, both attempting to cover as much distance as possible in 24 hours.

The team walking the South Downs included: Sarah Ediss, Chris Gregory, Colin Laidlaw, Louisa Lane, Lucy Hammond, James Chapman, Caitlin Powell, Jamie Servante and Harry Blay.

The North Downs team included: Candice Hanson, Paul Webster, Taslim Munshi, Anna-Mae Wilkinson Cox, Hope Dance, Chris Manley, Sean Rodwell, Aisha Booth, David Mepsted and Jeff Rollé.

Both teams began their treks optimistic and ready for the challenge ahead.

The North team began in Oxted, worked their way through Wrotham, Boxley and Charing, finally reaching Wye when the 24 hours were up. Most of the walk was steep, wet, and muddy yet they ploughed through and avoided an unexpected encounter with a bull!

The South team started in Buriton and made it to Firle in their 24-hour time frame.

The teams were flooded with support by colleagues, friends, family and the local community along the way, and most importantly the minibus drivers that were on standby with teas and coffees.

Both teams give a special thanks to Seaford Head Academy Trust who provided the minibuses and fuel for both the North and South walks.

Taslim Munshi, Private Client Tax Assistant Manger and part of the North Downs Way team, commented: “We are so grateful to everyone who has given so generously.

“I had severely underestimated walking continuously in wet and steep hills across a great mix of muddy paths in the woodlands with open fields was much harder than I thought it would be. On reflection with aching muscles, we are proud that we completed this for such a good cause”.

Sarah Ediss, Partner and team member of the South Downs Way team said: “Last year’s walk was challenging and exciting however this years’ we made it even harder.

“The route was full of adventure and challenges with varying levels of difficulty, especially the over-night sections.

“Both teams worked hard to make sure that they were ready for the challenge. Although naturally there was a competitive atmosphere between both teams, the real winners are the charities across Sussex and Kent that are benefitting from our efforts’.

The charities benefiting from this challenge, and a year of fundraising throughout 2021/22 are:

• East Kent Hospitals Charity – raising funds for wards and services provided by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
• Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex– providing world-class, fast-response, emergency medical care
• Breast Cancer Care Kent– improving lives for those diagnosed with breast cancer in Kent
• Honeypot– offering respite breaks and outreach support to young carers
• West Sussex Mind– supporting people with their mental health
• Ferring Country Centre– providing training and work experience to people with learning disabilities
• Aldingbourne Trust– supporting people with learning disabilities to reach their potential across Sussex
• Whoopsadaisy– providing conductive education to children with physical disabilities

The funds will be distributed by the Kreston Reeves Foundation (registered charity no. 1180402).

If you would still like to donate to the cause, please find out more on JustGiving here.