McCarthy Stone 10 year anniversary 50km walk, all for fun!

Walking the talk: How Ventrica stepped up to for the McCarthy Stone Foundation

Fifty kilometres. Thousands of steps. Countless deep breaths. When I signed up for the McCarthy Stone Foundation 50km walk, I knew it would be a challenge. And it was. But it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life – physically demanding, mentally stretching, and emotionally uplifting. Now that my feet have forgiven me, I can reflect on why it mattered so much.

Walking with purpose
The McCarthy Stone Foundation supports older people in communities across the UK, funding projects that reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and make a real difference. Knowing that every pound raised would go directly to that work gave each step meaning. It wasn’t just a test of endurance – it was a journey with a cause. Together, all participants raised over £73,000 in a single day, proof that when we come together, we can make an extraordinary impact.

A decade of shared commitment
At Ventrica, we’ve partnered with McCarthy Stone for over ten years, which is something to be extremely proud of. Together we’ve delivered empathetic, expert customer experiences for their homeowners and enquirers – and supporting the foundation is a natural extension of that relationship. From sea dips and Welcome Wednesdays to festive visits at local developments, our teams have shown up where it counts, and this walk was another example of this. It’s one thing to talk about corporate social responsibility but the success lies in weaving it into the fabric of how we work.

The people who make it possible
On the day, I wasn’t alone. Both Brett Hughes, Property Consultant Manager and Chad Goldsmith, Area Sales Manager from McCarthy Stone kept me going – Brett kept me steady through the first 25km with calm encouragement and Chad helped me through the toughest stretch. We laughed, we cried and we almost gave up, but in the end we crossed the finish line together. At around 47km, a small step stile became an almost insurmountable obstacle, and Chad’s laughter at my overly strategic approach to climbing it is now one of my favourite memories. Moments like that remind me that the strength to keep going often comes from the people on the journey beside you.

Worth every step
At the finish line, I swore I’d never do it again. But now, with the blisters gone and the smiles lingering, I’m not so sure. Because when something challenges you, connects you and makes a difference for others, it stays with you. And that’s exactly the kind of journey we’re proud to take — as colleagues, as partners, and as a team united by purpose.

Thank you everyone!