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Sixty-one ABM team members took on the Cumbrian Challenge to raise thousands of pounds for Walking With The Wounded, the military charity dedicated to supporting veterans who need it most.
The Cumbrian Challenge is Walking With The Wounded’s annual flagship fundraising event. Divided into 14 teams, the ABM participants undertook three different routes, ranging from ‘The Peak’ – a 12.5km hike with a 631m ascent – to ‘The Tougher’ – a 27km hike with a 1,570m ascent – the equivalent to climbing Ben Nevis plus an extra 70m.
Walking With The Wounded provides crucial support to ex-service personnel as they transition from military to civilian life, a mission closely aligned with ABM’s ongoing support of the armed forces community. As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), ABM is committed to ensuring both veterans and serving armed forces personnel are encouraged to join ABM across all lines of business, and that they are supported in their working life as valued team members.
ABM also holds Gold Employer Recognition Scheme status under the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant – one of the highest accolades available to UK employers committed to the Armed Forces Covenant with the Ministry of Defence.
Campbell Murdoch, Managing Director, B&I, ABM, who took part in the challenge, said: “As Executive Sponsor of ABM’s Armed Forces Working Group, this is a cause that sits close to my heart. Seeing more than 60 team members take on such a demanding physical challenge, in support of veterans and their families, speaks volumes about the character of our team and the culture we’re building at ABM.
“Veterans and serving armed forces personnel bring an exceptional range of transferable skills to our business ABM is an organisation where veterans find a place where their experience, discipline, and leadership are genuinely valued.”
Fundraising continues for the team which has raised more than £27,000 so far and is on track to reach around £50,000 once matched funding and final donations are confirmed. Funds donated to Walking With The Wounded will contribute to the vital services they provide to veterans and their families, including personalised employment support, mental health and wellbeing support and support care coordination.
Tom Grimshaw, WWTW Relationships Manager, commented: ‘We are grateful to the ABM team for once again taking on the Cumbrian Fells in support of veterans and their families. It’s fantastic to see so many people coming together for a common cause. The Cumbrian Challenge is always a brilliant fundraising weekend, and every donation goes towards supporting our core employment, wraparound care coordination, and mental health programmes.
“Our frontline teams provide life-changing support to those who have served, but we cannot do this without our incredible supporters like ABM. Thank you.”
