A dedicated team from ABM tackled the demanding terrain of Cumbria earlier this month in the spirit of raising funds and awareness for wounded veterans.
To support Walking With The Wounded, nine members of staff split into three teams took on the Cumbrian Challenge - a formidable test of endurance, teamwork, and resilience.
The team completed the 'Tough' route; a 22km walk with a 1,400m ascent, navigating the picturesque yet demanding landscape of the Lake District.
Walking With The Wounded provides crucial support to veterans as they transition from military to civilian life, a mission closely aligned with ABM's ongoing support of the armed forces community.
As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), ABM is committed to ensuring both veterans and serving armed forces personnel are encouraged to join the ABM family across all lines of business, and that they are supported in their working life as team members.
Last year, ABM achieved Silver Employer Recognition Scheme status as part of the company’s commitment to the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant in the UK and is currently working towards achieving gold.
James McGrattan, ABM QHSE Regional Manager, and ex-Armed Forces member, led one of the teams with his support dog, Dakota.
It was James' first time taking on the Cumbrian Challenge.
A qualified mountain leader who served in the army for 22 years, James shared his experience:
“Taking on the challenge was both a physical and mental test for me, and something that would be impossible without Dakota, who helps me manage my complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our participants included team members from across the business including aviation, business and industry and support services.
The ABM fundraising page is still live, https://cumbrian-challenge.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/teams/abm-uk-2
She distracted me when it got tough and was brilliant throughout the challenge.
“Walking With The Wounded is a charity very close to me and aligned to ABM’s commitment to helping ex-Armed Forces personnel like myself.”
The team aims to raise over £2,000 for the charity, contributing to the vital support services Walking With The Wounded provides to veterans.
Justine Salmon, ABM Business Support Manager, Technical Solutions, who organised participation in the event, says: “Huge congratulations to everyone who took part at the weekend and who supported us and helped make the event a success.
Our participants included team members from across the business including aviation, business and industry and support services.
Well done!”
The ABM fundraising page is still live, https://cumbrian-challenge.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/teams/abm-uk-2
