Walking, Running, Helping – Zuken’s Walk for Charity

The Team of Zuken UK was aiming to walk the length of the UK in 7 days. That is 874 miles or 1,850,000 steps! All for a great cause.

Charity walks are more popular than ever. They don’t just improve your well-being, but they also help save lives through fundraising.

Simone Bellofatto, Digital Marketing Specialist at Zuken UK, came up with the idea, wishing to support the NHS during the outbreak of Covid-19. The NHS staff is working tirelessly to support the public through this crisis. Many fundraising events had to be canceled or postponed, so the NHS needs financial help now more than ever to keep up their great work.

Simone wanted to challenge his colleagues to stay active while working from home during the pandemic. Everyone was and still is determined to do their part and flatten the curve. Nevertheless, it became increasingly harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle with gyms closing down and team sports put on hold.

He set up a fundraising website for donations and brought his team together as one to achieve a giant target. All while keeping everyone’s minds and bodies happy and healthy. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and secure. Once the money is donated, it was sent directly to Southmead Hospital Charity. One of the most efficient ways to give – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

For one week in late May, everyone participating in the challenge was tracking their miles and steps on their smartphones. Walking and running was allowed – biking would have been way too easy! The sunny weather and temperatures up to 27° also played their part and made the challenge a whole lot more pleasant. With one week of non-stop rain, it might have been a different story.

Daily progess

An app was showing everyone’s activities keeping everyone in the loop and cheering each other on. The results were combined in a “League Table” – an internal competition to see who can collect the most miles. Zuken employees were giving their best by walking during lunchtime, before and after work and on the weekend. The competition sparked impressive individual scores of around 100 miles in one week!

Going the extra mile

In the end, the team walked or ran over 1,148 miles and raised 1,120 £. They literally went the extra mile and exceeded their initial fundraising goal of 500 £ by 620 £. Thank you NHS and well done everybody!

After completing the challenge Simone commented: “I felt extra motivated to leave the house and walk for a good cause. I am extremely impressed by everyone’s support. More importantly, I am beyond thankful that we are healthy and able to give during this time. Great work everyone!”

The money raised will support the NHS’ Coronavirus appeal, which has funded many things. For example staff care packages, equipment to improve staff break-out space, baby scans for parents-to-be, distraction bags for patients with learning disabilities, and tablet devices to enable patients to keep in touch with their families and loved ones.

Adrian Brown, community manager at Southmead Hospital Charity, said:

“Thanks so much to you and your wonderful colleagues at Zuken for fundraising to support NHS. Your support has come at a much needed time when the NHS is facing the largest health crisis ever known. Each and every one of our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to care for our patients during this pandemic. Your fundraising efforts will make a significant difference and will help us to save lives, now and in the future.”

If you wish to donate visit www.southmeadhospitalcharity.org.uk/covid-19-support/