KPMG staff go the distance for Marie Curie charity walk

Over 5,300 KPMG colleagues across the UK signed up to take part in the firm’s ‘Big Walks’ in June and July this year, raising over £320,000 for the end-of-life charity, Marie Curie.

Those lacing up their boots initially aimed to cover a collective distance of 75,000 kilometres to mark Marie Curie’s 75th birthday, but actually covered a staggering 94,000 kilometres in total – equivalent to twice the circumference of the globe.

Alongside varying Big Walk lengths at one of ten locations across the UK, those taking on the challenge could opt to go the distance in whatever way was most accessible to them – from swimming or cycling, to rowing or running. Over 34,000 kilometres was racked up by 180 people taking on their own big distance challenge.

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.

The £320,000 raised by the Big Walks could help fund 16,000 hours of vital nursing care for someone with a terminal illness.

Rachel Hopcroft, Head of Corporate Affairs at KPMG UK, said:

“This is our third annual Big Walks series, our second in aid of Marie Curie, and year-on-year more colleagues have stepped up. Having taken on the challenge myself, the walks didn’t just help raise funds for a cause close to all our hearts, but they are a brilliant opportunity to connect with colleagues outside of the office and give our mental and physical wellbeing the attention it deserves too.

“To have over 5,000 people sign-up and raise over £320,000 is a phenomenal achievement, and I’m simply in awe of those that took on their own challenge and covered such staggering distances. A huge thank you to all who took part, as well as those that donated and helped raise awareness of Marie Curie’s vital work for people with a terminal illness.”

Matthew Reed, Marie Curie’s CEO, said that:

“We are thrilled that KPMG colleagues across the UK have smashed their fundraising target and have raised £320,000 for Marie Curie at this year’s KPMG Big Walks! Thousands of colleagues signed up to 10 events from Aberdeen to Plymouth and every pound raised will go to supporting families up and down the UK affected by dying, death and bereavement. Thanks to KPMG’s incredible joint effort, this could fund over 16,000 hours of vital nursing care to support people at the end of life.

“We are so proud of our partnership with KPMG which continues to go from strength to strength. On behalf of the families Marie Curie supports, thank you all very much indeed.”