Today (21 June) 33 teams led by members of national industry organisation Women in Property are beginning the first day of a two-week Step into Summer challenge to ‘Walk the Med’ in aid of charity.

Kicking off on the summer solstice, the teams will walk a grand total of 21,787,808 steps (14,942km) – the length of the coast of the Mediterranean Sea – over the course of the challenge.

Partnering with two UK-based charities – Women’s Aid and Girls Out Loud – Women in Property’s group walking initiative will raise awareness for female-empowering projects committed to ending domestic abuse and supporting young girls in difficulty.

The initiative seeks to bring together women from across the property and construction sector, an industry traditionally dominated by men, in an active and engaging way to promote mental wellbeing and inclusivity, while enjoying the great outdoors. The challenge aligns with the organisation’s broader aims for women in the sector to aspire, to succeed and to inspire others.

The Step into Summer challenge is sponsored by Sanderson Weatherall, Stride Treglown and Willmott Dixon.

Rachel Bell, National Chair for Women in Property and Director at Stride Treglown said:

“I’m really excited about this opportunity to raise awareness for two charities doing such meaningful work for vulnerable women and girls in the UK. Even better that it can be doing something I love, walking in nature with my peers. Socialising is such an integral part of our work lives and it’s important to find inclusive and holistic ways to do it. I hope everyone involved in our Step Into Summer challenge will take something positive away from the experience – be it a daily step record, a new friendship or pleasingly tired legs!”