UK Power Networks CEO Basil Scarsella and DofE youth ambassador Lucy Marshall
More than 4,000 young people are set to be helped by UK Power Networks’ annual Royal Ramble, which raised over £135,000 for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
Walking 20 miles through central London, passing iconic landmarks and starting and finishing at the Olympic Stadium, 800 participants collectively walked more than 16,000 miles, with the first teams completing the route in around four hours.
Many employees used Power Networks’ ‘Donate a Day’ scheme, which allows staff to volunteer for charitable causes twice a year. Each participant committed to raising at least £150, contributing to a total of £135,000 that could help more than 4,000 young people to start their DofE journey.
Along the route, walkers were supported with refreshments and received training and fundraising guidance from the DofE charity ahead of the event. The Royal Ramble builds on UK Power Networks’ long-standing partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which supports young people to develop confidence, resilience and essential life skills. Funds raised will help extend access to the programme for approximately 4,000 young people, particularly for those facing barriers to participation.
Lucy Marshall, aged 18, a youth ambassador at DofE who mentored young readers at her local library in Bromley said “DofE gave me purpose again after a period where I had lost my self-esteem. I’d never done anything like it before, but once I started talking to the kids, my confidence grew.
“It was lovely to see the books I’d read when I was younger, through their eyes. Helping others helped me and made me feel like I was growing into a better person. DofE gave me confidence. It gave me experience beyond school and made me feel capable of going to university – it can really change your life.”
The Royal Ramble has become UK Power Networks’ largest annual fundraising event, bringing colleagues together from across the business while supporting young people to unlock their potential. It builds on wider fundraising by UK Power Networks employees, including a record-breaking London Marathon run in full PPE by the company’s Distribution System Operator director Sotiris Georgiopoulos in support of the DofE.
Basil Scarsella, chief executive said: “The Royal Ramble is one of those brilliant days that shows what our people are all about – coming together, backing each other, and raising vital funds.
“Through our partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we’re proud to help more young people build skills for life and this year’s event is another fantastic example of colleagues going the extra mile for a cause that changes lives.”
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