Our biggest fundraiser yet
On Saturday 18th April, colleagues, clients, charity partners, family and friends came together for Bennett Hay’s biggest fundraiser to date.
Created to mark 15 years of Bennett Hay, The Big Hike set out to raise £15,000 split between three partner charities close to our hearts: Arts for All, Hospitality Action and Drive Forward Foundation. Across six teams, participants walked, ran and cycled routes that collectively passed every single one of our sites, making it a true one team effort.
Six teams, one shared goal
The East Walk was led by Miguel Rodrigues, whose thoughtful planning shaped a route full of energy and encouragement. Stopping off at a Little Moons Mochi pop up along the way, as well as plenty of snacks and coffee breaks. Miguel’s positivity carried the group throughout making the challenge feel as rewarding as it did ambitious.
Starting in Marble Arch, the West Walk was led by Ian Toogood, who brought a historical perspective to the route with his own tour of The City along the way. Feedback from the team was that it gave them a chance to experience streets in London that they walk through every day differently, adding another layer to a route that was as engaging as it was memorable.
Our runners covered an impressive 29 miles collectively, showing real determination from the very start. Before Co-Owner Anthony Bennett set off on his run, he crossed paths with the West Walk, which gave both groups a real morale boost. Led by Pavlo Poluektov, the running team brought great energy to the day, and it was especially lovely to see one of our long-standing clients taking part alongside them in support of Bennett Hay.
The GPE Walk covered all GPE sites as a group of six, led by the Senior Account Manager, Richard Price. This felt like a fitting reflection of the close partnerships that define how we work with our clients. Joined by our Co-Owner, Robin Hay, the group was the smallest out of the six enabling meaningful conversations whilst coming together for a shared cause.
On two wheels, our Managing Director, Zoë Watts and her partner, Alistair Baker, set off at the crack of dawn to take on the remarkable task of cycling to every single site, covering 80 miles between them. It was a huge effort and a very impressive contribution to the day.
Another cycling team started off at our furthest site in Hertfordshire. Led by Candice Webber, Culinary Director, and Paul Kytra, Head of Finance, they took in scenic routes as they made their way into Central London. With two children of one of our General Managers joining the challenge, it also brought a lovely family element to the day.
Finishing together
Everyone came together at the end of the challenge, where colleagues who had supported the day in a different way were waiting with food, drinks and a very warm welcome. Their role in bringing everyone together at the finish was just as important. It was a well deserved celebration, marked by plenty of delicious food, photographs, tired legs and a real sense of shared achievement.
