ISL Head Office Team Walks 5.2 Million Steps and Raises Over £1,500 for Charity

Throughout July, our Head Office team took on a step challenge, coming together to improve wellbeing while raising money for our 11 charity partners.

The aim was simple: get moving, support one another and make a difference. By the end of the month, our team had achieved something incredible.

5.2 Million Steps Later…

Together, we walked an incredible 5.2 million steps – the equivalent of approximately 2,386 miles (3,840 km). If we’d walked in a straight line from our Head Office in Macclesfield, we’d have made it all the way to Gran Canaria!

Alongside the miles, we also smashed our fundraising target, raising an amazing £1,540 against our original goal of £1,100. Every penny will be shared between our 11 charity partners, helping them continue their fantastic work supporting people and communities across the North of England.

Going the Extra Mile

The numbers are impressive, but what made this challenge so special was the dedication shown by everyone involved.

Whether they were fitting walks around long days of driving, busy meeting schedules or family commitments, colleagues consistently found time to get their steps in, with many smashing the 10,000-step mark day after day.

There were breathtaking Lake District walks from our Cyber Security Sean, a committed hike whilst on holiday in Ibiza, beautiful National Trust trails, open water swims and plenty of exploring as colleagues discovered new places right on their doorstep.

There were also plenty of laughs along the way. Some pet dogs clearly weren’t as enthusiastic about the challenge as their owners, there was a valiant expedition through Wetherspoons in search of the toilets, and the team kept spirits high with plenty of friendly banter in the group chat throughout the month.

Our Step Star ⭐

A special congratulations goes to our Step Star, Andy, our Business Development Manager.

Andy recorded the biggest single day of the challenge with an incredible 53,046 steps after completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks in one day – conquering Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough over approximately 25 miles. It’s an incredible achievement in its own right and a fantastic contribution to the team’s overall total.

More Than Just Steps

While there were definitely a few aching legs by the end of July—particularly for those who usually spend much of their working day driving or in the office—the feedback from everyone was overwhelmingly positive.

“Has been great for forming some good habits, great banter on the way for the team and raised more valuable funds for our amazing charity partners” – Dave Young, CEO

“A great example of what can be achieved as a team! Some fantastic support and motivation for each other over the last month, exceeding our fundraising target, thanks to everyone involved” – Sarah Bull, Deputy CEO & Director of Finance

“Although we all completed our steps individually, the team were all encouraging and supporting each other. It was a great way to all boost our wellbeing and most importantly raising money for amazing charities. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and donated” – Andrea Roach, Director of Operations

“Great team effort and good fun exploring some new places on foot. Thanks to everyone who supported and contributed to raising funds for our charity partners supporting local communities.” – Andy Kenny, Business Development Manager

Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, took part and cheered the team on throughout the month.

Together, we didn’t just walk the distance to Gran Canaria—we raised vital funds for local charities, strengthened our team and proved what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.

We’re already looking forward to seeing where the next challenge takes us!