25 May 2025
A team from a St Albans solicitors took on a huge 22-mile walking challenge in the South Downs National Park to raise over £3,200 for St Albans charity Youth Talk.
Taylor Walton Solicitors support a local charity each year and carry out several initiatives to help promote their work, raise funds and encourage staff and their family and friends to get involved where they can.
This year’s chosen charity was Youth Talk, which provides free, confidential psychodynamic group and individual counselling for young people age 13-25 in St Albans and the surrounding areas.
The group had local guides who helped them to navigate the steep countryside, and they were rewarded with clear blue skies and stunning views across the English Channel as they approached the end of the walk into Eastbourne.
Walker Will Mercer, a partner at Taylor Walton, said: “What a fantastic experience walking 22 miles along the South Downs raising money for Youth Talk! The hills were tough, but we got through it as a group, and it was great to see so many of us from Taylor Walton come together to support such a good cause. The most amazing part was seeing how the group supported each other so that every member of the team could complete the challenge together. It was also an honour to have the company of Jim Lewis from Youth Talk on the walk – such a brilliant guy for a brilliant charity.”
Sadia Ahmed, trainee solicitor at Taylor Walton, who also took part, said: “I had such a lovely time with everyone who completed the TW Challenge! My highlights included the breath-taking views, singing along to ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus with friends and colleagues, and the glorious weather. The most rewarding aspect was knowing we were doing it for such a great cause. An amazing weekend!”
Jim Lewis, fundraising and partnerships manager at Youth Talk, added: “The dynamics between this team, young and old, who gave up their weekend to come and do this incredible walk for Youth Talk is superb. I just want to say a massive thank you to all who turned up to do this challenge. The money you have raised is incredible.”
