A team from financial planning firm Paradigm Norton have raised more than £8,000 for a baby loss charity by walking 26 miles along the Devon coastline.
The nine-strong team walked from their office in Torquay to their Exeter office on Thursday 19th June.
They took on the physical challenge — covering over ten hours of walking and 2,700 feet of elevation — to raise vital funds and awareness for the work the charity, Petals, does in supporting bereaved parents. Their incredible effort has raised over £8,600 so far, which will fund more than 100 specialist counselling sessions for families affected by pregnancy or baby loss.
Petals provides free, expert counselling for women, men and couples who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, termination for medical reasons (TFMR), or pregnancy after loss. With demand for its services growing rapidly, fundraising initiatives like this are crucial to help the charity reach more of the families who turn to them in crisis.
Dan Atkinson, Chartered Financial Planner at Paradigm Norton and former Petals client was the inspiration behind the walk, he said: “Losing a baby, at any stage, is a traumatic experience — and sadly one that our family has experienced. The stats show that 1 in 2 UK adults have been touched by baby loss directly or know someone who has.
“We were incredibly fortunate to receive specialist counselling from Petals to help process our grief. We want all those who need this support to be able to receive it.
“At the end of 2024, I shared a ‘crazy’ idea of walking from Torquay to Exeter with colleagues at Paradigm Norton — and remarkably, they said yes. Ten and a half hours, 26 miles of walking, and over 2,700 feet of elevation later, we reached our destination.
Our team has now raised well over £8,000, which will enable Petals to say yes to a further 16 families. Being able to have that kind of impact is even more beautiful than the scenery we crossed.”
Karen Burgess, CEO of Petals, shared her gratitude for the efforts of the Paradigm Norton team, saying: “We’re so grateful to the Paradigm Norton team for taking on such a huge challenge in support of Petals. Their generosity and determination will help us provide more than 100 counselling sessions for bereaved parents who urgently need specialist support. It’s an incredible reminder of the impact people can have when they come together — they’ve truly made a difference.”
Phillipa Hann, CEO of Paradigm Norton, who was part of the team on the day added: “Walking 26 miles together for Petals was both a physical challenge and an emotional journey. I was incredibly proud to take part alongside my colleagues, united by a cause that touches so many lives.
“The funds we’ve raised will help Petals continue their vital work supporting families through the heartbreak of baby loss, and we’re honoured to play a small part in making that support possible.”
Learn more about Petals at www.petalscharity.org
