Aura Technology, an IT firm, is preparing for a 26-mile charity walk in support of Mental Health Awareness Week. The marathon hike, scheduled for May 18, will span from Sandbanks to Lymington with the objective of raising funds for the Oakhaven Hospice Trust.
Leading this charitable journey are Operations Director, Steve Stokes, Service Desk Engineer Level 2 Lead, Oliver Oxley, and Marc Elkins, Head of Centralised Services, alongside a group of their acquaintances. Oliver, a seasoned mountaineer, will be guiding the group on this philanthropic endeavour.
The chosen charity, Oakhaven Hospice, provides essential palliative care and support services to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The hospice is staffed by a team of specialists, including nurses, doctors, counsellors, and physiotherapists. The Aura team, all of whom have young families, are advocating for walking as a family-friendly activity.
Oliver, who has completed his mountain leadership training in Snowdonia, is equipped with the skills to safely guide friends and small groups on hiking excursions and wild camps. In the meantime, Steve and Marc have their sights set on the Three Peaks Challenge, and under Oliver’s experienced guidance, they are eagerly anticipating attempting it in the future.
In a statement, Oliver Oxley expressed, “When you work in IT, people often see it as being bound to a desk and stuck at a screen, but it’s a lot more than that. Most of our sector see ourselves more as problem solvers. I love getting stuck into trying to find resolution and helping our customers or our other colleagues. And it’s the same when I’m hiking or walking, creating different routes and making camps, helping hikers who are a little unsure or new to the adventure. We’re raising money on this walk, as it’s important to be able to give back to the community. Walking and being immersed in nature give me a huge amount of joy – foraging, hiking and experiencing the great outdoors. But there are so many people who don’t get this opportunity, so taking part in these sponsored walks feels like the right thing to do.”
It is inspiring to witness the team at Aura Technology stepping up and taking action for such a meaningful cause. Mental Health Awareness Week is an important time to contemplate the impact of mental health and to support initiatives that aid those in need.
The efforts of Aura Technology and their employees will not only help raise funds for the Oakhaven Hospice Trust but also raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Their commitment to giving back to the community and promoting healthy, outdoor activities is truly inspiring.
As we look ahead to this charity walk, it is crucial for us to show our support and appreciation for the team at Aura Technology. Let’s cheer them on as they undertake this commendable endeavour for a cause that affects so many individuals and families.