Conquering the SSAFA 13 Bridges Challenge
On Saturday, 29th June, the PHD Access team embarked on an exhilarating adventure, conquering the iconic bridges of London in the SSAFA 13 Bridges Challenge. This annual event celebrates Armed Forces Day and raises funds for the SSAFA charity.
Led by Danny Dwyer, our Managing Director, the PHD Access team included a diverse group of participants. Among them were Will Wansbrough, Head of Operations, David Steed (Principal Design Engineer), Dean Ashcroft (Estimator), and his wife Tracey. Ricky Williams (Process Manager), Jas Chand (Finance Manager), and her friend Justine, Debargha Biswas (Marketing Assistant), Zoe O’Rourke (Bid Manager), and her son Charlie also joined the ranks. Sofia Angulatta, our Marketing Executive, and Tony Evans Sr. (Site Manager), completed the spirited team.
A special mention goes to Signaller Rhys Angulatta, an Army Reservist from the 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, part of the 39th Signal Regiment. Rhys expertly guided us through the day, ensuring we stayed on course and maintained high spirits.
The route spanned 10 miles, crisscrossing the River Thames via 13 iconic bridges. Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and Battersea Bridge were among the highlights. Along the way, we marvelled at landmarks like HMS Belfast, the London Eye, Elizabeth Tower & Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe, Battersea Power Station, Tate Modern, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Danny Dwyer expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating,
We were thrilled to participate in SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Challenge. It was an incredible opportunity for us to support a vital cause while fostering team spirit and community engagement. We were proud to walk for those who have served and their families.
As we crossed the finish line at Eel Brook Common in Fulham, cheers erupted. Our collective effort had paid off—we completed the challenge in an impressive 3 hours and 51 minutes.
Debargha Biswas said,
It was an incredible experience participating in the charity walk. It was nice seeing all the sights of London all in one day; experiencing the city in that way was unforgettable. Moreover, it was fun being able to hang out with the PHD team in a new way, bonding over the challenge and the shared goal of supporting SSAFA.
Our commitment to camaraderie, resilience, and community shone brightly, and we proudly raised £761 for SSAFA. A special thank you goes to Justine for her incredible contribution of £295, and to Jas, who raised an impressive £241.
Their efforts, along with the entire team’s dedication, made a significant impact and demonstrated our collective spirit in supporting such a worthy cause.
For more information, visit the official SSAFA website.
