Volunteer walkers chalk up 90 miles along Hadrian’s Wall to raise more than £20,000 for construction charity

13 volunteers participated in and successfully completed the famed Hadrian's Wall Walk to support the UK building charity Band of Builders.

The group traversed the Hadrian's Wall Path over the course of four days, covering a total distance of 90 miles (84 km) between Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east and Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria, on the west coast.

The team, assisted by two support drivers, endured oppressive heat, downpours, blisters, and injuries while walking more than 20 miles per day to earn more than £20,000 for Band of Builders, a registered charity that aids UK construction industry workers who are facing illness or injury.

The charity is about to start work on its 26th project, which takes place in northern Ireland, and has more in the pipeline throughout 2022 plus a mental health initiative dubbed The Big Brew.

The crew was led on the challenge by Band of Builders' fundraiser Martin O'Donnell. "To complete Hadrian's Wall in four days was no little effort," he remarked. "Most people take on it throughout six or seven days.

"Although there were many highs and lows along the road, everyone agreed that the blisters, injuries, and long days were worthwhile in order to contribute to helping others in need. There is still time to support us as we work to make this BoB's largest fundraising event yet.

BoB is supported by leading companies in the construction sector, including DEWALT, Jewson, Gibbs & Dandy, V12 Footwear, Talasey, Resideo, and Haemmerlin, in addition to tradesmen from all over the UK.

The Hadrian’s Wall team included a group of eight volunteers from DEWALT, which is matching their fundraising to add even more money to the pot, and four volunteers from Talasey also joined the group for one day of the challenge.

So far the group as a whole has raised just over £20,000 and is keen to boost that total, which will go to future Band of Builders projects to help tradespeople in their hour of need.

Aimee Cooper, Senior eCommerce & Digital Manager from DEWALT, said: “Our team are always inspired by the incredible people at BoB and the work they do to support members of the construction community. When we shared the opportunity to participate in the Hadrians Wall Walk with our teams, we received a fantastic response!”

“As a group we all came together and supported one another through the challenges & toughest moments, with the ambition to make this BoB’s biggest fundraising event yet!”

To sponsor the Band of Builders Hadrian’s Wall Walk, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/band-of-builders-hadrians-wall-challenge