Saturday 21 March saw the Showersave teams in Northern Ireland, Belfast and Great Britain, Derbyshire, lace up their walking shoes for a brilliant cause each group taking on their own route, raising money, and making plenty of memories along the way.
Team Belfast: A Walk through Maritime History
The Belfast team kicked things off at Sound Yard, just behind the SSE Arena, setting the tone for a walk steeped in the city’s rich seafaring heritage. Following the iconic Maritime Mile, the route offered a real sense of Belfast’s past and present.
From the historic City Quays, including Clarendon Docks and Sailortown, the team passed landmarks like St Joseph’s Church, the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Offices, and Sinclair Seamen’s Church each stop adding another layer to the story of this vibrant port city.
The walk wasn’t short on views either. Along Belfast’s stunning waterfront, the team stopped by the Big Fish before crossing the Lagan Weir Footbridge into the Titanic Quarter. Here, they passed some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast, the Great Light, and Thompson Dock.
With a few well-earned hot drink stops along the way, it was a day of fresh air, reflection, and appreciation proof that sometimes the best moments come from simply slowing down and taking it all in.
Team GB: 15 Miles, Fancy Dress & Full Team Spirit
It was an early start for Team GB, meeting at 8am in the grounds of Calke Abbey but the real energy came from an unexpected twist. Team member Martin had accepted a family challenge: complete the full 15-mile walk in fancy dress, and they’d double his sponsorship.
Rising to the occasion in style, Martin donned a brilliant handmade “shower” costume complete with shower head and water droplets courtesy of his talented daughter. Backed by the team, #Showerman Martin became the star of the day.
Setting off in foggy conditions, spirits stayed high as the weather quickly cleared, rewarding the team with a full day of sunshine. The route took them from Calke Abbey to Breedon on the Hill, through Melbourne, with a welcome coffee stop at Melbourne Hall Gardens, before continuing on to Foremark Reservoir.
The final stretch back to the car park was no easy feat tired legs and heavy steps tested everyone but the team pulled together and pushed through, finishing the challenge in just over six hours.
A few standout mentions:
- DJ James, keeping energy levels high with disco tunes along the route
- Navigation experts Deanna and Steve, keeping everyone on track
- Cristian, chief dog carer
- Ian and Rachaell, providing much needed morale boosts
- And of course, Martin. aka #Showerman for going above and beyond
A Huge Well Done
Both teams showed incredible determination, team spirit, and a great sense of fun all in support of their chosen charities. Whether walking through Belfast’s historic waterfront or powering through 15 miles in Derbyshire (with a disco soundtrack and a shower costume!), it was a day to be proud of.
Here’s to sore legs, big laughs, and making a difference 👏
The Charities We’re Supporting
All funds raised will support three fantastic local charities:
- Team GB: South Derbyshire CVS
- Team NI: Pretty ’n’ Pink
- Team Dutch: Stichting Kinderkampen
At the end of 2026, the total amount raised will be split equally between the three charities.
Team GB: South Derbyshire CVS
Team Northern Ireland: Pretty n Pink
Team Netherlands: Stichting Kinderkamp Zuid-Oost Drenthe
Fundraising | JustGiving
We’ve set up a dedicated GB Showersave JustGiving page, and Holland Fundraising Page where colleagues, partners, friends, and family can sponsor our walkers and support the cause.
Every donation, big or small, helps us maximise the impact of every mile walked.
What Happens Next?
After each walk, we’ll be sharing updates as our miles total increases and our fundraising grows.
Thank you for supporting Miles That Matter and helping us make a difference—one mile at a time.