More than 30 teammates from ABM, the leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, tackled the tough terrain of the Lake District last weekend in support of veterans and their families.
Raising thousands of pounds for Walking With The Wounded, themilitary charity providing support for veterans who need it the most,35 ABM team members took on the Cumbrian Challenge – a formidable test of endurance, teamwork, and resilience.
Divided into nine teams, the participants undertook three different routes, ranging from ‘The Peak’ – a 14km hike with a 761m ascent – to ‘The Tougher’ – a 27km hike with a 1,411m ascent – all navigating the incredible yet demanding landscape of Grasmere.
Particular congratulations goes to ABM Team 7, led by ABM Director, David Donovan, who were awarded first place for their triumph on the ‘Over 50s Peak Route’.
Walking With The Wounded provides crucial support to ex-service personnel as they transition from military to civilian life, a mission closely aligned with ABM’s ongoing support of the armed forces community. As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, ABM is committed to ensuring both veterans and serving armed forces personnel are encouraged to join the ABM family across all lines of business, and that they are supported in their working life as valued team members.
Last year, ABM achieved Gold Employer Recognition Scheme status as part of the company’s commitment to the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant in the UK. ABM also has its own Armed Forces Working Group to promote a culture that values the contribution and leadership of service personnel and ensures their challenges and opinions are heard regularly and action is taken to continually provide support.
James McGrattan, ABM’s QHSE Regional Manager and veteran, led one of the teams with his support dog, Dakota, for the second year running. A qualified mountain leader who served in the Royal Logistics Corp for 22 years, James shared his experience:
“Having made the transition from military to civilian life myself, I understand the struggles many veterans face – issues that Walking With The Wounded works tirelessly to address. The Cumbrian Challenge offers a powerful opportunity to connect and share such experiences whilst building camaraderie, resilience and a sense of achievement with my colleagues.
“I couldn’t have completed it without Dakota. As always, she was by my side, calming me in stressful moments and lifting the spirits of the entire team from start to finish.”
Far exceeding their £2,200 target, the team has currently raised more than £23,500 for Walking With The Wounded, contributing to the vital services they provide to veterans and their families, including personalised employment support, mental health and well-being support and support care coordination.
Campbell Murdoch, ABM Managing Director, Business & Industry and Executive Sponsor of ABM’s Armed Forces Working Group, who also took part in the challenge, says: “This year saw our biggest team yet take part in the Cumbrian Challenge, and I was proud to be among them for the first time. Getting outdoors, challenging ourselves, and connecting as a team reminded us just how beneficial nature and a shared purpose can be for mental health.
“Ex-services and serving armed forces personnel offer our business a host of transferable skills, whether working infacilities management, aviation and transport, retail and security, or technical services and cleaning. It’s important to us that we offer opportunities in a range of areas and extend our support through our Armed Forces Working Group and fundraising events such as the Cumbrian Challenge.”
Reflecting on the weekend, WWTW CEO, Tony Hulton said, “What an incredible Cumbrian Challenge weekend, and the real highlight was breaking our fundraising record. This will benefit even more veterans and their families, helping them to get back on their feet and retaking their place in society.
“We can’t do this without our business friends and supporters, and we are so grateful for ABM’s involvement at this year’s event. Every participant pushed their limits and strove to reach the finish line and by taking part, every ABM team has made an invaluable contribution. We are already taking registrations for next year, so training for 2026 can start now!”
The ABM fundraising page is still live – to make a donation, please visit: Make a donation to ABM’s Cumbrian Challenge for Walking With The Wounded
