On Saturday 12th September 2026, the Westgate Healthcare Head Office team took on an unforgettable challenge in the heart of London walking 25km across 16 historic Thames bridges to raise vital funds for Spread a Smile. The team joined thousands of people taking part in the Ultra Challenge Thames Bridges Trek, putting their determination, teamwork and resilience to the test.
A Challenge With a Purpose
The team chose to support Spread a Smile, a charity dedicated to bringing joy, comfort and moments of happiness to seriously ill children receiving treatment in hospitals and hospices across the UK.
For Karen Allen, a member of the Westgate Healthcare Head Office team who organised the challenge. “We chose Spread a Smile because it’s such a meaningful cause. If there’s an opportunity for us to make a difference and support those who need it, we’ll always do everything we can to help.”
The team set out with an ambitious fundraising goal, and their efforts went above and beyond expectations. Together, the Westgate Healthcare team raised an incredible £7,600 – a fantastic achievement that reflects the generosity and support of colleagues, friends, family and the wider community.
But Westgate wanted to do even more. To recognise the team’s dedication and help increase the impact of their fundraising, the Directors made an additional £5,000 contribution. This brought the total donation to an incredible £12,600.
It is a wonderful example of coming together as a team, not only to take on a challenge, but to make a difference to a charity.
25 Kilometres, 16 Bridges and Plenty of Determination
The challenge began at Putney Bridge, where the team registered and received their walking numbers and tracking QR codes. From there, the route took them along the Thames and across 16 of London’s iconic bridges, including the final crossing at Tower Bridge. There were tired legs, challenging moments and plenty of determination along the way. But with the team supporting one another throughout the day, everyone kept putting one foot in front of the other.
The finish line at Tower Bridge marked more than the end of the walk. It represented the amount of months of preparation, fundraising and teamwork.
Watch the video of Thames Bridges Trek below:
Making a Difference Beyond the Finish Line
For Westgate Healthcare Director Tara Teubner, the day was about much more than completing a physical challenge. “We were truly motivated to help those who need support every day. The experience was not only inspiring but deeply moving. This is not just about walking, it’s about standing up for those who need support and helping families through challenging times.”
Proud to Support Spread a Smile
For the Westgate Healthcare team, taking part was an opportunity to step outside of the workplace, challenge themselves and come together for a cause that makes a big difference to people’s lives. From Putney to Tower Bridge, every kilometre counted. And with £12,600 raised in total, the team’s efforts will continue to make an impact long after they crossed the finish line.
We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part, supported the fundraising and helped make this challenge such a success.
25km. 16 bridges. One incredible team. £12,600 for Spread a Smile.
About Ultra Challenge
Ultra Challenge is the UK’s largest series of mass participation trekking and trail events, giving thousands of people the opportunity to take on a personal challenge while raising money for charities and causes close to their hearts.
The Thames Bridges Trek takes participants through the heart of London, following the River Thames and crossing 16 iconic bridges from Putney to Tower Bridge.
About Spread a Smile
Spread a Smile brings joy, laughter and moments of happiness to seriously ill children and their families in hospitals and hospices across the UK.
Through in-person and virtual visits, the charity’s entertainers provide music, magic, art, storytelling and animal-assisted activities to help enhance wellbeing and create positive experiences during incredibly difficult times.