We're Walking to Vegas

A couple of months ago, my employer, Cisco, launched a "fun committee". One of the initiatives they came up with was a "Walk to Vegas" — as a team we're all going to run, walk, swim, golf from London to Vegas, a total of 5000 miles.

Before we could all change our minds, my fun committee rep Sean had set up a walk around Sonning, near Reading — perfect for me as it's a mile away from home.

It was particularly important to me. I'm a New Hire into Cisco, joining during the pandemic and having only met my team over Webex — this was the first time I would get to meet someone face to face.

We met at the Mill in Sonning and walked along the Thames to Shiplake, where we stopped for an ice cream before heading towards the edge of the Chilterns.

We had lots of great conversations. We talked about Cisco and our teams, our hobbies, families, our mental health and most importantly questioned how unfortunate it was that the pubs were opening the day AFTER our walk.

Having fun and meeting colleagues is essential, but it's not the only reason we're doing this. When I got home, I had a very poignant reminder of whom we are doing this for. A childhood friend called Pete tragically committed suicide this week.

Having had my own mental health challenges recently, I know how important it is to talk. The Samaritans are there to talk to anybody who needs them. Our aim through the Walk to Vegas is to raise at least £10,000 for The Samaritans, and Cisco is matching qualifying funds raised.