The Big Challenge saw teams across the firm taking part in a four-week distance event to raise money for local charities in Bristol and Edinburgh.

Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has raised over £23,000 (including Gift Aid) in a month-long challenge to raise money for a number of local Bristol and Edinburgh charities, in line with the firm’s charity theme of the year, ‘No Child Goes Hungry’.

The Big Challenge saw teams from across the firm attempting to collectively cover the distance between Burges Salmon’s Bristol and Edinburgh offices – 356 miles – by walking, running, cycling or other means, within government guidelines in place at the time.

The challenge drew significant participation from Burges Salmon’s people across its legal and Business Services teams and, at the end of the four-week event, over 19,300 miles had been collectively covered, equating to approximately 27 roundtrips between the firm’s Bristol and Edinburgh offices.

A considerable fundraising effort supported the participants’ endeavours, with the total amount of money raised reaching approximately £23,500 (including Gift Aid) which will be donated to support Bristol charities Feeding Bristol, FareShare South West and Help Feed Bristol, as well as Scotland’s children’s charity, Aberlour.

Burges Salmon has recently been awarded a platinum Investors in People accreditation for its commitment to its people, with its wellbeing strategy being specifically recognised. The challenge is an example of the firm’s efforts to support the wellbeing of its people during COVID-19, bringing teams together to contribute to a united cause and to get active and enjoy the outdoors.

Burges Salmon partner Sian Edmunds, who heads the firm’s Charity Committee, says: “We are very proud of the enthusiasm with which so many of our people approached The Big Challenge and which undoubtedly enabled us to raise such a huge sum for our charitable theme, ‘No Child Goes Hungry’.

“COVID-19 has highlighted more than ever the importance of supporting charities that are helping to enable access to good-quality, safe and nutritious food for all. We’re pleased to be donating our fundraising to four such charities in Bristol and Edinburgh, which we hope can make a difference and support the incredible work they do.”

Giving back to the community is integral to Burges Salmon’s firm-wide strategy; it has become a crucial part of the firm’s culture and its people are encouraged to contribute through volunteering, charitable fundraising, offering pro bono legal advice, as well as taking up board-level trustee and school governor opportunities. In 2020, the firm was recognised by Business in the Community (BITC) in the Education Partnerships category in its annual Responsible Business Awards, naming the firm a Responsible Business Champion.