140-mile Ironman challenge raises £3,200 and counting for Dementia UK

To mark Wilkinson Woodward’s 140th anniversary, we set ourselves an ambitious challenge: to complete 140 miles in one day, with our team walking, cycling and swimming for a good cause.

Our Charity Ironman Challenge was designed to see our team complete one mile for every year of our history as part of our wider fundraising efforts for our chosen charity, Dementia UK, throughout our anniversary year.

On 21 September, it was time to put our plans – and our bodies – to the test.

Ironmen and women

The traditional Ironman format combines swimming, cycling and running. We decided to put our own spin on it, swapping the running for walking and bringing together three teams to tackle the 140 miles.

There was plenty happening throughout the day, with colleagues taking on the challenge in different ways.

The walking team, led by Laura Kurowski, tackled a 26-mile route. Laura completed the entire distance, while colleagues joined her along the way – first at our Brighouse office, with 14.5 miles still to go, and then again at our Halifax office for the final 6.5 miles.

James Hodgson led the swimming team, who swam an impressive 161 lengths – a total of 2.5 miles – while Andrew Crabtree took on the full 100 miles on two wheels, completing the longest single leg of the challenge.

That left 11.5 miles, so we brought the challenge to the Brighouse office, where an exercise bike was set up in reception. Colleagues could jump on and clock up some extra miles towards the grand total.

Once everyone had crossed the finish line, there was just one thing left to do: meet up to celebrate – and refuel – with a well-earned curry.

More than just miles

Our Charity Ironman Challenge was about celebrating a significant milestone for Wilkinson Woodward, but it was also a chance for our team to come together. It gave colleagues across our offices the chance to get involved, whether they joined the challenge, clocked up a few miles on the exercise bike, or simply cheered everyone on.

And, of course, it was about raising money for a cause that means a great deal to many people across the firm.

Dementia UK is our chosen charity because many of our staff members have seen the effects of dementia first-hand within their own families. Our wills and probate team also works closely with families navigating the legal, financial and personal decisions that can follow a diagnosis, guiding clients through crucial steps such as establishing Lasting Powers of Attorney, preparing wills and assessing mental capacity.

As such, it is a cause that resonates closely across our firm, and we hope our fundraising helps the charity continue to provide specialist support to people living with dementia and the families who care for them.

Thank you

We’re hugely grateful to everyone who walked, swam, cycled and cheered us on, as well as everyone who donated – £3,200 raised and counting, is a fantastic result.

The challenge may be over, but the fundraising continues. If you’d like to help us raise money for Dementia UK, you can still donate through our JustGiving page:

Support our 140 Years fundraising for Dementia UK