Océ go the extra mile - raise £7,500 for charities

18 September 2008, 6:44pm

Brentwood, Essex – 18 September, 2008 – Twelve walkers from Océ have raised more than £7,500 for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust from a non-stop day and night 100-kilometre trek. Aided by six support crew, the team completed the Trailwalker challenge, following the South Downs Way from Petersfield in Hampshire to Brighton in Sussex.

After setting out at 10am on day one, and with sleeping along the way strictly prohibited, the first Océ walkers home were Team Footprint just after 7am the following day.

Wilbert Verheyen, director of Océ UK’s Document Printing division, said: “It was fantastically well organised and a wonderful experience with mixed emotions, between a beautiful walk and scenery, and an absolutely gruelling last 20 miles that were almost like a nightmare. Finishing was a great feeling of accomplishment and I said I would never do it again, but 48 hours later I changed my mind.”
The first Trailwalker event was held more than 25 years ago by the Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong and has since grown into a major fundraising event for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust with many Trailwalkers being organised worldwide.

Described as a “truly life-changing experience”, the Trailwalker walk takes in some stunning views across the English Channel and of the surrounding countryside.

Steve Wilson, director of Océ UK Ltd’s Production Printing division, said: “We trained hard for what was a very daunting task. But we bonded as a team and came away with some great memories. Both Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust are worthwhile causes, and we are delighted to have made a considerable contribution.”

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