From the 15th to 21st of September, 736 OCS colleagues from across the globe took part in the OCS 125 Challenge, celebrating our 125th anniversary and raising funds for the four charities we partner with through our OCS Foundation.
Teams of five people took part in a virtual race along a 125-mile route. The journey highlighted key locations from OCS’s history and our modern-day partners. Whether walking, cycling, gardening, or simply staying active in daily routines, teams tracked their movements and converted them into steps.
The challenge sought to raise £30,000 for the four organisations our recently relaunched OCS Foundation supports: Teenage Cancer Trust, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Brighten the Corners and Irish Youth Foundation. As of today, the 162 teams participating in the challenge have raised over £36,000.
Apart from the thrill of raising much-needed funds for deserving organisations, our teams came away from the challenge feeling revitalised. It offered a chance to connect with teammates, enjoy a bit of friendly competition, and refocus on their mental and physical well-being, all while breaking away from the usual work and life routines.
For many colleagues, the event proved to be a brilliant way to bring people together. As one participant, Michael Combe, shared,
“It was a brilliant way to integrate into the team with a bit of competitive spirit. Logging into the app and seeing everyone’s progress in real time was a great motivator.” He also noted how global updates and local organised walks “were a brilliant idea” and how many people “miss it already and might try to keep it going.”
That sense of connection and competition was echoed by Idris Morris, who said, “It brought out everyone’s competitive side and quickly became the morning topic around the coffee machine.” What began as a daunting goal soon became a friendly race to climb the leaderboard. Teams cheered each other on and shared encouragement.
For others, the challenge had an even deeper impact. Nicola Moon explained, “Helping to raise money for the four charities was incredibly rewarding… sharing the goal of raising as much as we could while getting active and having fun brought us closer together.” The experience revealed how small shared efforts could strengthen bonds and give colleagues a glimpse into one another’s lives beyond work.
Amber Leedham summed up the wider feeling across the organisation: “It was a brilliant way to get people moving and helped build connections across teams. The vibe was really positive, and even though it’s over, many people want to keep up the habits they’ve started.” She added that the inclusivity of the event allowed everyone to take part in their own way—“made it feel like a win for everyone.”
By making movement fun, social and part of everyday life, the OCS 125 Challenge showed that being active doesn’t have to be a chore. It encouraged lasting habits, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of wellbeing across our teams. More than just a celebration of our 125 years, it was a shared journey that brought our people together, strengthened our community and demonstrated the power of collective effort for a good cause.
