At Surplex UK Limited, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond IT recycling and data destruction. We believe in preserving the systems that sustain us, whether that’s the circular economy of technology, the beauty of the British waterways or the endurance of the animals that walk beside us in search of a second chance.
This July, we are proud to support Mark’s monumental journey: The 250-Mile Kindness Amble.
The Mission: The Canal & River Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Our lead “ambler”, Surplex’s own Non-Executive Chairman, Mark Willis, is embarking on a 23-day trek across the heart of England’s canal network. He isn’t walking alone; he is joined by Nina, his faithful Chipoo. This is no supported tour; Mark and Nina will be navigating the route in its purest form, including camping and sourcing food as they go.
Mark is walking to raise vital funds for two causes currently facing unprecedented challenges: The Canal & River Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The Whitchurch Breach
In late December, a catastrophic 50-metre breach on the Llangollen Canal near Whitchurch left boats stranded and the network devastated. Repairing this “Whitchurch Breach” is a multi-million-pound engineering feat.
The Goal: To help the Canal & River Trust stabilise the ground, rebuild the historic embankment, and keep our national “blue spaces” alive for everyone.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
This cause is incredibly close to our hearts. Many of our clients and partners will remember our own “Office Working Cat,” Jasper, who was a vital part of the Surplex team.
When we adopted Jasper through Battersea, the process was entirely seamless. What truly stood out was their dedication; they travelled all the way to our premises to deliver him personally, ensuring he was comfortable, settled, and secure throughout the transition. Sadly, our office companion passed away recently, but the support we received from Battersea was second to none. We are walking to ensure other animals get that same chance at a purposeful, happy life.
The Goal: To fund the emergency surgeries, medical teams, and behavioural care that transform a frightened stray into a beloved family pet.
23 Days, 250 Miles, One Goal
Starting on July 1st, the journey begins at Diglis Basin, Worcester and loops through the historic industrial and rural arteries of the UK. From the tranquil Hawkesbury Junction to the serene Hillmorton Locks, here is the full itinerary.
If you are near the towpath on these dates, come say hello!
| Day | Date | Destination | Area / Landmark | Miles Walked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 01 | Worcester to Stoke Prior | Near Bridge 42 | 11.5 |
| 2 | July 02 | Stoke Prior to Alvechurch | Alvechurch | 9 |
| 3 | July 03 | Alvechurch to Hockley Heath | Hockley Heath | 13 |
| 4 | July 04 | Hockley Heath to Hatton Locks | Hatton Locks / Bridge 55 | 13 |
| 5 | July 05 | Hatton Locks to Long Itchington | Near Bridge 25 | 9.5 |
| 6 | July 06 | Long Itchington to Braunston | Braunston Junction | 10 |
| 7 | July 07 | Braunston to Yelvertoft | Near Bridge 19 | 10 |
| 8 | July 08 | Yelvertoft to Foxton Locks | Near Bridge 61 | 13 |
| 9 | July 09 | Foxton Locks to Market Harborough and back | Near Bridge 11 | 11 |
| 10 | July 10 | Foxton Locks to Yelvertoft | Near Bridge 19 | 14 |
| 11 | July 11 | Yelvertoft to Braunston | Braunston Junction | 10.5 |
| 12 | July 12 | Braunston to Newbold-on-Avon | Newbold | 10 |
| 13 | July 13 | Newbold on Avon to Hawkesbury Junction | Stop Lock | 11 |
| 14 | July 14 | Hawkesbury Junction to Hartshill | Near Bridge 32 | 13.5 |
| 15 | July 15 | Hartshill to Fazeley | Fazeley Junction | 12.5 |
| 16 | July 16 | Fazeley to Fradley Junction | Near the Junction | 11 |
| 17 | July 17 | Fradley Junction to Great Haywood | Great Haywood | 11 |
| 18 | July 18 | Great Haywood to Penkridge | Near Bridge 86 | 11 |
| 19 | July 19 | Penkridge to Autherley Junction | Near the Junction | 10 |
| 20 | July 20 | Autherley Jct to Central Birmingham | Gas Street Basin / The Mailbox | 14.5 |
| 21 | July 21 | Central Birmingham to Alvechurch | Alvechurch | 11.5 |
| 22 | July 22 | Alvechurch to Stoke Prior | Near Bridge 42 | 10 |
| 23 | July 23 | Stoke Prior to Worcester | FINISH: Diglis Basin | 11.5 |
Why This Matters to Surplex UK Limited
As experts in IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), we understand that “out of sight” should never mean “out of mind.” Just as we ensure old technology doesn’t pollute our planet, the Canal & River Trust ensures our historic waterways don’t fall into disrepair.
Similarly, our support for Battersea reflects our core belief in the power of a ‘second life.’ At Surplex UK Limited, we are dedicated to extending the lifecycle of technology through ethical recycling and repurposing; Battersea performs a similar miracle for animals that have been lost, abandoned, or rejected by society.
How You Can Help
Support the Canal Amble
Register your interest to receive donation links, event updates, and impact reports from the Surplex UK Charity Walk team.
