GHA staff will be back on the Ridgeway this June to complete the ultimate Ridgewalk challenge. In 2016, 16 staff walked 26 miles in 12 hours, raising a fantastic £3000 in the process; this year 10 daring (and possibly deluded) staff will be putting their stamina and mental strength to the test as they take on an ultramarathon distance (52 miles) on the Ridgeway over 24 hours.

The pain is all endured in aid of Sense, a national charity that supports people who are deafblind. GHA staff have a unique connection to Sense. We are the architects behind TouchBase Pears, the charity's new community centre in Selly Oak, Birmingham, due to open in June. It will provide specialist care to people with sensory impairments and will also serve the wider community.

Meet the team

Rachael Foster
I am excited to be back on the Ridgeway this year, putting one foot in front of the other for Sense. Competitive doesn't begin to describe my drive for a physical challenge, having completed 26 miles last year and knowing I could have done 52...I had no choice but to return! Thank you for all your support.

Fernando Martin
Hello everybody! I am looking forward to destroying my feet and aching for the days after this mammoth walk. I like walking but I will really need to get into shape to take on these 52 miles. It's a really good cause and it will be a nice time with colleagues. No pain, no gain!

Tom Kirk
22 years experience walking...

Dominic Ward
Last year we walked 26 miles (I also forgot my walking boots and did it in Vans pumps) and raised over £3000 for the Sense charity and I want to help in raising even more this year. This year we are going to tackle the 52 mile hike, at a fast pace this will take over 18 hours of non-stop walking! If we can push ourselves an extra 26 miles it would be great if you could all dig a little deeper. It's great to see that many of you already have. Thank you.

Joseph Brown
I wanted to challenge myself and raise some money for a really worthy cause. It will also be a chance, through the long long night, to bond with the rest of the team and hopefully share some laughs... and probably some pain.

Kamil Szoltysek
Hi, I am Kamil. I grew up in the polish mountains so I have hiking in my blood. Later I discovered cycling and I still can't decide what I like more. These two passions of mine led me to do a 1/4 of Ironman triathlon recently. Now I am proud to offer my blood, sweat and tears for such a wonderful cause. And the distance is impressive so please donate!

David Moreno
A challenge that seeks to improve other people lives sounds like a great reason to walk 52 miles ! This is also a good chance to make memorable moments with my crazy colleagues and this great company. After all, who doesn't enjoy a good laugh with friends and time in the British countryside! 

Sian Pitt
The last time I completed a challenging walk...my shoe laces got caught together, I tripped, forgot to put my hands out, and broke my nose. Hoping for a more upright experience on the Ridgeway. Thanks for all your support!

Charlotte Bradney
Hi, I’m Charlotte. I once got told I could never join the army because I have flat feet, so a 52 mile walk seems like a really bright idea. I’ve nailed walking to and from the biscuit barrel at work, therefore this feels like the next logical progression. Both my dignity and teammates would love to not have to carry me over the finish line, so your support and encouragement will be a great incentive. Please donate generously, thanks!

Ben Round
Hi, my name is Ben and 9 months after walking 26 miles in 9 hours, I am STILL up for a challenge for charity! This year is going to be twice as tough as the last and it is all for a fantastic cause. Remember how lucky you are to be healthy and give generously! Thanks.

Gerardo Zunica
Hi, my name is Gerardo. I am from Valencia, Spain and have been walking the pilgrims route of Santiago for many years. Pleased to be stepping in the UK for such a great cause, and with such a great team. Please give generously :)

Cathal Quinn