Neil and BOB walk the walk in Peru - and raise £10,000 for charity - 03 Jul 2008
Accompanied by BOB, the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mascot, Neil completed the gruelling Inca Trail in the heart of the Andes, walking between 10 and 12 hours a day.
He explained: “After spending most of the last 30 years behind a desk, I wanted to give myself a challenge and to give something back to the community. I was also keen to do something which fitted in with the firm’s CSR objectives. This event benefited a charity which I have always admired, as it plays a vital role in supporting cancer care at a time when more than one million people in the UK have been diagnosed with cancer.
“My trip was in two parts. To begin with, I spent a week exploring Peru, which was the most amazing experience. Then it was down to the real business of the trek up the Inca Trail with our mascot BOB, whose initials stand for Beyond Our Business!”
“The 50km trail is quite simply breathtaking throughout (and not just because we all found ourselves short of puff at times). It took us from a deep river gorge over the high passes of the Andes to Machu Picchu, which fully deserves its status as one of the wonders of the world. Much of the trail consists of steps cut into the landscape during Inca times. It also passes through tunnels hand cut into the rock and along narrow paths with a 1000 metres drop on one side,” he explained.
Neil soon got used to a routine of 5.00 am starts, climbing to heights of 4,200 metres and a 10 to 12 hour walking day. Everyone in the 50-strong group worked as a team encouraging each other on and everyone achieved the objective of finishing the trail, while BOB made regular appearances at suitable photo opportunities and became a well-known member of the party.
“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of members of the firm, family, friends and clients and with the aid of a tremendous contribution from the firm’s charitable trust, the total amount raised will exceed £10,000 which is highly satisfying. The total amount raised by the whole party should exceed £250,000 which is a significant contribution to the financing of the very important work of the charity,” he explained.
Meanwhile BOB has also made it safely back to Dickinson Dees and after a quick wash, will be ready to partner others on adventures in support of Dickinson Dees’s Corporate Social Responsibility objectives.