Idox supports the Public Sector Challenge 2025 in the Peak District
On a warm Friday in September, more than 800 participants and volunteers from across the public sector came together in Derbyshire to take on the Public Sector Challenge (PSC), raising vital funds for the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK.
Now in its third year, the PSC continues to grow, with 2025โs โPeak Pursuitโ offering multiple routes up to 26 miles through some of the Peak Districtโs most iconic landscapes. Walkers and runners starting and finishing at Hope Showground tackled climbs over Mam Tor, Back Tor, Lose Hill, Bamford Edge and Win Hill, around Ladybower Reservoir โ testing both stamina and spirit.
While fundraising remained the eventโs core purpose, while speaking with Idox teams also highlighted the value of team-building, networking, and personal achievement. Many shared inspiring stories of loss and resilience that carried them over the finish line.
The PSC was founded in 2023 by Jonathan Stephenson, Joint Chief Executive Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council, following the loss of three colleagues to pancreatic cancer. Leading the first group from the start-line of this yearโs challenge, he praised the dedication of all involved: โWe have a great team supporting the challenge this year. People have gone from 8 to 26 miles, and theyโve talked, exercised and got their hearts beating. No matter how far they have walked or run, everyone has succeeded today.โ
The celebrations continued at the finish line, where Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson congratulated participants on their achievements.
People have gone from 8 to 26 miles, and theyโve talked, exercised and got their hearts beating. No matter how far they have walked or run, everyone has succeeded today.
Jonathan Stephenson
Joint Chief Executive Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council
David Connors, Head of Service โ LLPG, Land Charges and Electoral Services at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, and one of the organisers of the Peak Pursuit added: โFriday was the culmination of months of work. There are too many people to name individually, all those behind the organisation of the PSC event should be so very proud of what was achieved. Thank you to all the volunteers, participants and sponsors.โ
This year, Idox was proud to join the PSC as logistics partners for the first time, sending a team of volunteers to support walkers across the day. From welcoming early arrivals before sunrise, to manning the checkpoint at mile 16, to even lending spare boots and socks to a forgetful participant, our colleagues played a key role in keeping the event running smoothly.
Grant Hazell, Elections Senior Sales Specialist from Idox, shared his experience from the day: โWe were honoured to be approached by David Connors to support the PSC. It was an early start at 5:30am, but the teamโs energy made it a fantastic experience. We really were the first smiley faces the participants saw. We were amazed the walkers were still smiling by the time they reached us at the 18-mile checkpoint. Iโd love to be involved in future events, whether as a volunteer or even as a participant.โ
Reflecting on the day, Claire Whitaker-Smith, Account Support Manager for GrantFinder, said:
โWhat a fantastic way to spend a volunteering day. There was so much energy at the event that it was a pleasure to be involved. Our Idox team did such a good job providing support and encouragement to all the walkers and, while it wasnโt the purpose of the day, we also managed to have a few conversations which may lead to more business for Idox down the road!โ
The PSC will return in January 2026 with the London Bridges Challenge, followed by Earth, Mynd & Shire in Shropshire next September.
