Employees from Burton-based pub company, Punch Taverns, are preparing themselves for a 24 hour charity walk across the North Downs.
Comprising of a team of 15, they will start the walk at 10am on Thursday 12th July, starting from Otford (Tunbridge Wells), making their way along the North Downs where they will finish their walk one day later in Canterbury.
The walkers, made up of support centre staff and field teams which work across the South East region of leased pubs (including Kent) on behalf of Punch Taverns, will cover a massive distance of 60 miles in aid of the National Autistic Society (NAS).
The walkers will cover a massive distance of 60 miles in aid of the National Autistic Society (NAS).
The NAS, a leading UK charity which supports people with autism and their families, is their chosen charity as it is very close to home for some of the team.
“As a team we discussed many charities,” said Punch Regional Business Manager, Paul Mathias, “As one of our team members has a son with Aspergers Syndrome, and the NAS have offered so much support for the family, it was a mutual decision to pick a cause which is so personal and means so much to our colleague.”
“Our target is to raise £10,000 to support the charity. More importantly, we want to raise awareness and understanding of the NAS – a charity which is not recognised enough.
“The walk will also demonstrate our ability to meet the physical and mental challenge of a 24 hour walk.”
The team have not taken on the challenge lightly, training intensively beforehand: “We have done two training walks as a team and have undertaken our own individual training for several months prior, from walking the dog more to using a portable stepper under the desk!” Paul continued.
To help raise additional funds, the company have held a wet sponge and custard pie toss well as a raffle at their head office in Burton on Trent.
“So far we have already raised our half-way target of £5,000, which has spurred us on – giving us more motivation towards our end goal.
“We are all extremely excited and nervous. After months of preparation, we can’t wait to put on our walking boots for what will be the walk of our lives,” Paul added.
To follow the team as they tackle their way across the epic North Downs, visit www.twitter.com/walkofourlives. To donate online, visit www.justgiving.com/t54walkofourlives and for more information about the NAS visit www.autism.org.uk
Punch Taverns is a leading pub company in the UK with around 5,000 leased and tenanted pubs nationwide.