Charitable colleagues swapped their hi-vis vests and safety boots for sleeping bags and hiking gear earlier this month to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local charities across England and Wales.
Taking on the ‘5 District Walk’ – crossing all five districts in our Manweb licence area, which covers communities as far apart as Anfield and Aberystwyth – the 22-strong team covered more than 70km over the two-day challenge, raising an incredible £62,000 in the process.
The monies will be split between six local charities that support local people and communities at the heart of the five SP Energy Networks districts.
The charities were chosen individually by the teams taking part in the challenge:
- Mid Cheshire: Her-Place Charitable Trust – empowering women and girls through education and support.
- Merseyside: Woodlands Hospice – providing specialist care for those with life-limiting illnesses.
- Wirral: Wirral Mind – supporting mental health and wellbeing across the Wirral district.
- Dee Valley & Mid Wales: Wrexham AFC Foundation – with funds supporting their Powerchair Team and local family Archie White.
- North Wales: Blind Veterans UK – helping vision-impaired ex-service personnel live full, independent lives.
- 132kV Team: Hope House Children’s Hospices – based in Oswestry, providing vital care for seriously ill children and their families.
Liam O’Sullivan, SP Energy Networks’ Director of SP Manweb – who was part of the team completing the challenge – said: “Powering our communities is about so much more than just keeping the lights on and we’re chuffed to help support the lifesaving and lifechanging work these amazing charities do for local people day in and day out.
“Our teams are part of these communities – we live and work alongside our customers, our friends, our families. We know only too well the difference these organisations make, whether supporting veterans to live life to the full; creating safe and supportive spaces for women and girls; or simply being there at some of our darkest moments and we’re proud to give something back.
“This was a stellar team effort. We have quite literally walked the walk – and have the blisters to prove it! – and we’re indebted to everyone who supported us every step of the way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Kate Blakemore, Founder/CEO of Her-Place Charitable Trust, said: "A huge thank you to all the walkers who took time out to do such a difficult walking challenge. As a grassroots charity, the money will help us so much to support our community as we go into one of our busiest times of the year, when we will be providing school uniform to hundreds of children in Cheshire."
Hayley Smallman, Corporate Partnerships Manager for Woodlands Hospice, said: “We are truly humbled by the incredible effort of the SP Energy Networks team in taking on the ‘5 District Walk’ to support Woodlands Hospice. Raising over £10,000 for us is an amazing achievement. Every mile and every blister is appreciated so much and the commitment and compassion to our cause was staggering to witness when you look at the scale of the challenge. This support will make such a difference to our people and their families that we care for. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Helen Hart, Project Coordinator for Wirral Mind, said: “A heartfelt thank you to SP Energy Networks for their generous donation of almost £6,000. This will help us expand our reach, enhance the quality of our services, and ensure that more people can access the help they need, when they need it most. In a time where demand for mental health support continues to rise, partnerships like this are more important than ever. We deeply appreciate SP Energy Networks’ continued support and belief in our mission. Their commitment to giving back to the community is inspiring, and this donation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.”
Jamie Edwards, Head of Community at Wrexham AFC Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud of the SP Energy Networks team for raising a huge amount to support local community charities in North Wales. With more than £21,000 going to the Wrexham AFC Foundation to support our Powerchair team and Archie White's family, it shows the real impact when communities come together."
Victoria Beech, Community Partnerships Team, Blind Veterans UK, said: “We can’t thank the team at SP Energy Networks enough for taking on this challenge and raising an incredible £4800 for Blind Veterans UK. Sight loss can be devastating- stripping an individual of their confidence, leading to isolation and a lack of sense of purpose – all on top of the immediate effects of finding it difficult to carry out simple everyday tasks. These funds will help us ensure blind veterans in North Wales continue to receive life changing rehabilitation, training, equipment and support that allows blind veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives while remaining active in their communities – in short the team’s efforts will help rebuild lives.”
Area fundraiser for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith, Bethan Young, said: "We are so grateful to SP Energy Networks for this kind donation. Our work in providing nursing and respite care to local children and families is reliant on fundraising for over 90% of our annual needs. Every penny of this amazing gift will go directly to helping local children and families living with a life-threatening condition to make precious memories together and live their best lives. Thank you."