Practice walking challenge raises nearly £2K for Ukraine

More than 30 people from Haine & Smith participated in a walking event around the White Horses of Wiltshire to raise money to support Ukraine.

Over the course of the four-day Easter weekend, 31 people from Haine & Smith practices and the head office set out to walk around the chalk-cut white horses.

The fundraiser was inspired by Haine & Smith Marlborough colleague, dispensing assistant Hanna Borovyk, who had to leave Ukraine in 2022 when her hometown became unsafe.

In Ukraine, she worked as a medical ophthalmologist and hopes to register with the regulator in the UK.

Jess Wright, practice manager and frame stylist at Haine & Smith Marlborough, explained: “Hanna has been with us for just over two years now, and I felt it was time we united together to show our support towards her country.”

The practice partnered with a local fundraiser, Simon Ellis, who buys and equips cars to transport aid to areas in the most need in Ukraine.

Close to £2000 was raised through the four-day walking event, with Wright explaining: “Many of our practices are in Wiltshire, so the white horses felt relevant to our area.”

Highlighting the success of the event, Wright added that the walking challenge has supported the funding of a car, which was sent out on 6 May.

Haine & Smith

The route saw participants walk 21-23 miles on day one of the challenge between the Westbury White Horse and Pewsey White Horse. On the second day, walkers took on a 6.5–7 mile trek between Marlborough White Horse and Hackpen White Horse.

On the third day, walkers travelled 8–9 miles from Broad Town White Horse to Cherhill White Horse, before completing the challenge on the fourth day with an 8.5–9.5 mile walk between Alton Barnes White Horse and Roundway White Horse.

Commenting on the experience, Borovyk shared how much it meant to her to be introduced to Simon, to speak about her hometown, and the support of her colleagues.

Reflecting on the four-day walking challenge, she said: “Yes, there were tired legs and long days, but there was also laughter, warmth, meaningful conversations, and those quiet, beautiful countryside moments where you suddenly realise how much this all means.”