thyssenkrupp Materials UK Step Up for Macmillan Cancer Support with The BIG Walk Challenge

Building on that incredible success, the team laced up once again - this time stepping out for Macmillan Cancer Support with The BIG Walk Challenge.

Taking place in September 2025, the challenge saw 15 dedicated employees from across the business push their limits in a two-day effort to raise vital funds and awareness for Macmillan’s life-changing work for people living with cancer.

The UK mainland walking team, made up of nine determined employees, embarked on a gruelling 68-mile trek from the Milton Keynes site to the Central Materials Hub in Cradley Heath – a true test of endurance, teamwork, and spirit.

Meanwhile, six walkers from the Northern Ireland sites took on a 35-mile city tour, exploring iconic spots including the Holywood Esplanade, Titanic Museum, and Botanic Gardens. Their scenic route mirrored the company’s shared mission to make strides toward a better future for those affected by cancer.

To make the challenge even more inclusive, a week-long 250,000 Steps Challenge encouraged participation from across the UK. Seventeen teams of over 90 employees from divisions including Coil Processing, Fabrications, and the Centres of Excellence for Long Product, Flat Product, and Waterjet Cutting joined together to contribute, compete, and keep morale high.

The BIG Walk Challenge even made it onto Heart FM Radio! During the walk, Sales Executive Jodie Langley reached out to the station, while Marketing Executive Dalila Monteiro proudly joined Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston live on air to share the team’s story and highlight their fundraising efforts.

At the annual company event, Accelerating Growth, thyssenkrupp Materials UK celebrated its walkers’ achievements with a £5,000 company donation, adding to the £7,210 raised via JustGiving. Attendees also heard an inspiring keynote from a representative from Macmillan Cancer Support, who shared how the funds would help people living with cancer at a time when they need it most.

A special mention goes to summer intern Cosmo, who teamed up with the IT department to sell unused laptops and phones on eBay - raising an impressive £4,687, which was added to the fundraising total.

To close the campaign, sites across the UK hosted Macmillan Coffee Mornings, filled with homemade treats, fun activities, and community spirit - the perfect way to celebrate and reflect on what had been achieved together while also raising an additional £1,051.

Thanks to the dedication, creativity, and generosity of everyone involved, thyssenkrupp Materials UK raised an outstanding £17,948 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan’s Relationship Fundraising Manager in the West Midlands, John Harrison, added: "We're incredibly grateful to everyone at thyssenkrupp Materials UK who have raised over £17,900 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Every single step climbed, and cup of coffee shared has helped raise vital funds for people living with cancer. We rely almost entirely on the generosity of the public to fund our work, and we simply can't achieve our mission to be there for everyone living with cancer across the UK without your dedication and support - thank you".

The BIG Walk Challenge truly showcased what can be achieved when teamwork, passion, and purpose come together. The efforts of thyssenkrupp Materials UK have made a meaningful difference to those affected by cancer. The business can’t wait to see where the next challenge takes them.

About thyssenkrupp Materials UK:

thyssenkrupp Materials UK offers a vast range of products and a wealth of experience in sourcing and supplying products such as stainless steel, aluminium and mild steel. The company also provides a range of services, whether that’s fully welded and fabricated finished parts or bespoke flat products cut to exact sizes. To help reduce inventory and costs, the company specialises in supply chain management and logistics solutions. For more information, visit: https://www.thyssenkrupp-materials.co.uk/