Shoosmiths Leeds Virtual Vacation raises over £1,700 for local mental health charity

The Leeds office members take over 15 million steps to benefit their charity of the year, Leeds Mind.

Friday 25th June officially marked the end of the Shoosmiths Leeds Virtual Vacation 2021, where 45 colleagues from the Leeds office participated to walk or run their way to taking as many steps as possible. The challenge lasted four weeks in total, with five teams of nine competing to virtually traverse a pre-selected route across Europe’s coast to coast.

Colleagues walked south through Europe all the way from the Baltic Sea in the north to the shores of the Mediterranean on a route peppered with iconic towns and world-renowned, historic cities.  All in all, those participating took an impressive 15,146,917 sponsored steps to raise funds for Leeds Mind.

Despite leading the way through intense competition, Team 3 were pipped at the finishing line by Team 2, who were then crowned the champions, in a last-minute head-to-head for first place. The winning team included Lauren Midgley, Alex Kirkhope, Heather Stark, Lexy Cattermole, Christian Cockcroft, James Foster, Natalie Hager, Ruth Abrahams and Sophie Davies, who travelled the furthest distance overall during the challenge. There was also no stopping dedicated individuals whose phenomenal efforts resulted in a record-breaking 683,541 steps (Judy Fawcett) and 652,723 steps (Dan Stowers) being achieved in just four weeks!

The office raised £1,717 in total (including gift aid) and the firm contributed a further £400 given the overall amount raised. This fantastic effort surpassed the initial target of £1,000 and begins the first of many fundraising events in support of Leeds Mind as the new charity partner of the year for the Leeds office.

Leeds Mind aim to help people build on their strengths, overcome obstacles, and become more in control of their lives. The charity promotes positive mental health and provides help and support to those who need it. They offer many services, including counselling, group therapy, social support, employment support, and mental health training. Find out more at www.leedsmind.org.uk.