NEARLY 300 KPMG colleagues in Scotland took part in the firm’s ‘Big Walks’ on Friday 16 June, in support of charity partner Marie Curie, the end-of-life charity.
Those lacing up their walking boots in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow join over 4,000 colleagues taking on one of ten walks across the country, between Friday 16 June and Friday 14 July.
Around 250 colleagues from the firm’s Edinburgh and Glasgow offices tackled the Ochil Hills in Stirling on Friday, while over 50 walkers took on Deeside Way in Aberdeen.
Last year’s Big Walks raised over £222,000 for Marie Curie, with more than 3,300 people taking part in the series – collectively covering a distance over 41,000 kilometres.
This year the professional services firm aims to cover 75,000 kilometres to mark Marie Curie’s 75th Birthday Year – that’s nearly twice the circumference of the globe.
Alongside Big Walk lengths of one, two, 10 or 20 kilometres, those taking part in the challenge can also opt to go the distance in whatever way is most accessible to them, from swimming or cycling, to rowing or running.
Marie Curie was announced as KPMG UK’s national charity partner in November 2021, supporting the charity’s mission to ensure that everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, has the support they need around them, whatever terminal illness they’re facing. So far, KPMG has provided nearly £750,000 worth of support to the charity through fundraising and pro bono work.
James Kergon, Senior Partner for KPMG in Scotland, said:
“There has been real excitement about the return of our firm’s Big Walks in Scotland, building on the success of last year’s fundraising event. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues get together in such beautiful locations in the sunshine, and it was a fantastic opportunity to raise money for a cause close to all our hearts. We’re helping ensure that everyone with a terminal illness – no matter who they are or where they live – has the care and support they need.”
Paul Davies, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Marie Curie, added:
“The Big Walks is a fantastic initiative as it enables KPMG colleagues from up and down the country to come together and raise much needed funds for Marie Curie. For some of them, they will have experienced Marie Curie in their lives and we know from last year’s walks that people walked in memory of a loved one.
“To have over 4,000 people take part this year is just incredible and it’s thanks to these selfless fundraisers that we are able to be there for terminally ill people and their loved ones at our nine UK hospices, as well as caring and supporting people in their own homes. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this summer.”
