London 10 Peaks Challenge conquered by Tees team

Twenty seven solicitors, financial advisers and client care coordinators from Tees took on and defeated the London 10 Peaks Challenge on Saturday 21 September, raising over £8,000 for their chosen charity, Mind. Mind helps people suffering with mental health problems all over the UK. Tees, which has offices spread throughout Hertfordshire and Essex, has already raised many thousands of pounds for the charity this year through a wide range of sponsored events.  On Saturday the group walked the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles or 42 kilometres) over varied and often difficult terrain, scaling 10 of London’s hidden ‘summits’ in the process and climbing to a total height of 1,314 metres. 

While the challenge itself might have been gruelling, it was offset by some beautiful scenery. The walkers followed a variation on the popular ‘London Loop’, trekking across nature reserves and down woodland footpaths, with each ‘peak’ allowing them stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Highlights included the view from the top of Harrow Weald Common, as well as the walk beside Aldenham Reservoir. 

It’s not the first time Tees have taken on a physical challenge for charity. In May, a team of four Family Law solicitors completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £1,500 for Mind and discovering the positive effects that exercise can have on mental health. 

Caroline Metcalf, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Tees and a Partner in the Bishop’s Stortford Dispute Resolution and Litigation department, commented: “This was one of the biggest sponsored events we’ve undertaken for Mind so far and I’m extremely pleased and proud that so many people in the team gave up their time to take part. We were all very tired by the end of the day, but everybody encouraged each other and we all really felt the mental boost from the long walk outdoors! Everybody has truly put in a monumental effort this year to raise as much as possible for this very important charity, which does such a huge amount to combat stigma surrounding mental health. I’m delighted with the amount we managed to raise.”

Tees will be keeping their Just Giving page open immediately following the event in the hope of raising further funds for Mind. To donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teestenmind