Back in 2022 some of McCann's leadership team attended a charity walk and talk event in Castleton.

We enjoyed the benefits of exercise, a personal challenge, fresh air, stunning scenery and the feeling that we were supporting a good cause. High on life and sunshine we thought in that moment how fun it would be to set a real challenge and engage and encourage as many of our staff to enjoy these benefits whilst setting a memorable personal challenge.

The McCann staff challenge to walk the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in 2023 was born.

Walking the 24 miles and ascending nearly 5,000 feet over the summits of Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside in 12 hours is not a feat to take on unprepared. So we planned 6 monthly practice walks around Kinder Scout and the surrounding peaks of Mam Tor, Win hill and Loose hill.

The practice walks provided great opportunities to chat with colleagues away from work and bond over the smaller challenges and distances, whilst improving our general fitness and mental wellbeing.

Over the last 6 months the group walks have accomplished covering a total distance of 75.5 miles, ascending 15,291 feet, blistering at least 2 feet badly and breaking one arm.

We have now come to September and have 14 staff from across the spectrum of McCann's committed to completing the gruelling 12 hour challenge on the 30th of September.

As I think about the challenge that we face by choice, I can't help but think how fortunate we are that this is our only worry, and this leads me to thinking about those who don't have the same opportunities and whose biggest choice is to skip meals to feed their children.

I truth I can't even begin to imagine what that choice feels like to face and how hard it must be on a daily basis for those families affected by the cost of living crisis.

That is why we are walking to raise funds for the Trussell Trusts foodbank in Long Eaton & Sawley.

We hope to raise at least £3,000 in support of their great work in providing food and support to those facing hardships in the local area.

Thankyou to everyone who helps us achieve our goals, and a special thanks to John McCann for supporting us in this challenge.

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