Clocking up miles and planting trees for wellbeing

Throughout May 2022 and the Jubilee weekend, HCR took on the collective challenge of covering 70 lengths of Great Britain, as part of the firm’s spring wellbeing initiative. With every seven lengths covered, the firm secured one tree (or set of saplings) to plant, in honour of the national Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

Staff across the 11 offices took part in the challenge by walking, running, cycling, rowing, and swimming, and achieved an impressive 71,722.22 miles – the equivalent of 82 lengths of Great Britain!

The challenge was not only to entice staff away from their screens and embrace the outdoors, but to also contribute towards an eco-endeavour collectively. The distance achieved meant that the firm secured 11 sets of saplings – one set for every office to plant somewhere local and meaningful.

Charlotte Thornton-Smith, Head of the Worcester office and Joint Head of the Northampton office, led the initiative as part of HCR’s Wellbeing Ambassadors. Speaking on the success of the challenge, she said: “We are so pleased with how many people got behind our first firm-wide, wellbeing initiative. To not only complete but exceed the target distance is incredible and I’m delighted that this also means each office will receive a tree/set of saplings to plant in their local communities.

“From half marathons and hilly treks to scenic cycle rides and lunchtime walks with colleagues, it was wonderful to see so many embrace the fresh air and great outdoors – something that we all know is so important for our mental and physical health.”

Ellis Jessica Walby, Solicitor at the Cheltenham office, worked closely with Charlotte in motivating the firm to get involved. She said: “This was a fantastic way to not only clock up our miles and boost our wellbeing, but to also mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We hope everyone enjoyed the challenge and even established some new, or improved, healthy habits to keep moving!”

Tree planting is set to take place in the autumn months; in the meantime, you can see some of the #HCR70GB highlights here.