Public Sector Challenge 2026 – Earth, Mynd and Shire

A team of seven intrepid explorers from Local Partnerships took part in the Public Sector Challenge last week, which this year took place in the beautiful Shropshire Hills, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK. With a selection of routes to choose from ranging from 8.5 miles to 26 miles, all of the options made for a difficult hike over some very steep hills.

Sarah, an assistant director in our environment team, shares her experience of the challenge, from the stunning scenery and steep climbs to the support that helped her along the way.

Alongside hundreds of others from public sector organisations across the country, we were up at the crack of dawn, registered, equipped, briefed and ready to set off by 7:30am.

Ben and Neil opted for the most challenging route of all, totalling 26 miles, whilst Andy, Debbie and Estelle faced the difficult 21-mile route. Myself (Sarah), being not at all sporty, very unfit and recently recovered from illness, set out on the 8.5 mile route (still further than I’ve walked in a very long time) and Chloe valiantly kept me company.

By mid-morning we had reached the high point of Pole Bank where we had a quick snack and a photo at the trig point, before passing the first checkpoint. Feeling optimistic, Chloe and I then decided to switch to the 16-mile route, meaning our total distance would end up being around 13 to 14 miles.

The weather was perfect for the event, being dry but not too hot, and the scenery we passed was absolutely stunning, with dramatic hills and valleys, and wild ponies along the way too.

They weren’t joking about those hills though, and by midday my legs were starting to really ache, with muscles aching on the uphill sections and the knee joints suffering on the downhill parts. After a massive steep hill with big steps that seemed to go on forever, we got to another long steep downhill section which was really difficult and covered in scrambly little stones. By 1pm, my left knee was now getting so painful that every step was agony and I slowed to a snail’s pace, needing to be gradually assisted along with the help of two walking poles, Chloe’s encouraging words of advice, and the arm of a helpful other participant who was passing!

At around 1:30pm we reached a point in the path that crossed a road, and concluded that I sadly could not proceed any further. To my great embarrassment, and simultaneous relief, Chloe called for help at the nearby second checkpoint, whilst I rested on a handy bench. Shortly after that, the medics came to my rescue and drove me back to the campsite in their 4X4. I had at least managed to walk the original planned distance of around 8.5 miles – the equivalent of nearly three parkruns in a row, on very hilly terrain!

I’m pleased to report that Chloe easily finished the rest of the walk and crossed the finish line to join me around 4pm. It was around 5pm when Debbie, Andy and Estelle crossed the finish line after a whole day’s hiking, and at around 5:30pm Ben and Neil returned from their epic marathon-scale mountaineering!

We were all presented with medals by Olympian legends Mark Foster and Christine Ohuruogu, and then celebrated with a well-deserved drink and some fish and chips!

We are delighted to have raised over £1200 for the two charities and want to thank everyone who has supported us either by making a donation or supplying words of encouragement. It really means a lot.