FDM takes on the Cumbrian Challenge

Over the weekend, 52 FDM’ers took part in Walking With The Wounded’s Cumbrian Challenge. The event saw 15 FDM teams walk a range of different routes with the ultimate goal of raising money to help veterans re-integrate back into the civilian world and sustain their independence. We spoke to some FDM’ers about what they experienced and what their top tips are for next years’ walkers.

Henry Duddy – FDM Brighton

Our Ex-Forces Programme at FDM helps ex-service men and women transition into the corporate world and reintegrate in a non-military environment. Walking With The Wounded is one of FDM’s UK corporate charities and it was a great opportunity to link up with work colleagues from our other offices in an amazing environment.  The charity has highlighted that not all are able to make the transition as easily as others so we see this almost as a natural extension of what our company does.  Hearing the stories first hand of those that have been helped is the most inspirational part of the whole event.

Personally, I’ve had family members involved in a life-changing terrorist event and have experienced first-hand the trauma and the long road to recovery, both emotionally and physically. I have great admiration for those that choose to put themselves in harm’s way for others.

Top Tip: Even when the body says ‘ENOUGH,’ just keep moving forward and think of hot shower, free massage and a cold beer!

Philippa Davis – FDM London

We arrived in Windermere and had some time to kill before check-in at our hotel, so we went for a walk around the lake, which was not too far from the station. If you have new hiking shoes/boots like I did, then this is a great opportunity for you to break them in and see some sites. There are lots of hiking shops in the area, in case you need to purchase a last minute waterproof jacket or some spare socks for the walk.

Overall, it is a great experience to get involved with helping such a fantastic charity, whilst seeing staff members outside of the office who you would not normally engage with on a day-to-day basis.

Top Tip: Training. Even if it is just a little bit of prep, this will make all the difference, as you start off on such a steep hill which can really take it out of you.

Fiona McKerral – FDM Glasgow

I signed up for the Walking With The Wounded challenge last year with FDM. Having little hill walking experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Through the training in the months leading up to the challenge, I found that I really enjoyed hill walking and it was a great way to keep fit, so I was keen to sign up again this year. Working at FDM, I see the skills that ex-forces personnel can bring to an organisation and realise the importance of getting servicemen and women back into the workplace.

Top Tip: Practice! Getting some walking experience behind you will help in the long run.

The Cumbrian Challenge strikes a chord with FDM, as our Ex-Forces Programme has tight links to what Walking With The Wounded aim to achieve – bridging the gap between the armed forces and  a new career in the corporate world.

Congratulations to all that took part!

If you are in the forces and are considering a second career, FDM is the next step to bridge that gap. Find out more about our dedicated Ex-Forces programme and apply today