Surefooted staff from a regional law firm went the extra mile for charity – 4,561 miles to be exact – when they travelled the distance from Dorset to Ethiopia during lockdown.
They clocked up the staggering mileage – equivalent to 9,633,866 steps – over the past three months in an ‘Ellis Jones Walks the World’ challenge to see how far they could travel around the globe.
Ellis Jones Solicitors launched the initiative to encourage staff to get out into the fresh air as part of a health and wellbeing programme during lockdown.
Partners at the law firm were so impressed by the distance covered and the final destination reached that they made a donation to a charity of employees’ choice.
Staff from its six offices in Dorset, Hampshire and London voted for the Bournemouth-based charity Help & Care to receive £500.
Kate Brooks, who is a Partner and Head of Employment/HR Services, said: “We have a health and wellbeing group who come up with fun and interesting initiatives.
“These include a birdwatching challenge, sharing recipe ideas, regular Zoom exercise, stretch at your desk classes, and talks on financial health and planning. Walks the World was one of these ideas to keep people active.”
Amy Pritchard, who is Ellis Jones’ HR Co-ordinator, added: “Everyone got their walking boots on and did brilliantly.
“Whether it was a run, taking the dog out or going to the shops, it all counted and resulted in a fantastic distance travelled and great donation for a very deserving local charity.”
Bournemouth-based Help & Care works across South Central England to assist people in living independent and fulfilling lives.
Des Persse, Director of Services at Help & Care, said: “We are delighted to receive this donation from Ellis Jones following the efforts of their staff.
“Help & Care’s support for local people has been increasingly important over the last year.
“The donation will be used to aid our Roots gardening service provided by a team of volunteers who are recovering from mental ill health and our work supporting people who have been and remain isolated during these difficult times.”
Ellis Jones has more than 140 staff at offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.