The Big Bin Push: One Idea, One Cause, 132 Miles.
How would you react if you visited your favourite walking trail and saw a group of people pushing a giant, bright yellow bin fitted with off-road wheels towards you?
Well, on a scorching July Day in the Peak District, many people had that experience when something extraordinary happened – 19 Sharpsmart volunteers split into four teams and set off along the Monsal Trail, each team pushing a 770-litre bin.
You could say, this wasn’t the usual day at the office, but this difference made a difference.
TOPICS WE WILL COVER:
2 / Sparking Conversations and Generosity
3 / A Cause Close to the Heart
The challenge, affectionately named the ‘Big Bin Push’, was created to raise money and awareness for the Children’s Bereavement Centre, a charity that supports children and young people coping with the sudden loss of a loved one. At the heart of the event was Dave Ottewell, Sharpsmart’s National Health, Safety and Compliance Manager, whose passion for the cause turned an idea into a truly memorable fundraiser.
From Idea to Reality
When Dave first floated the concept of pushing large clinical waste bins (clean, of course) along a former railway line in the Peak District, there were a few raised eyebrows. As UK Compliance Manager Rob Green recalls:
“When Dave mentioned that we’d be doing a Big bin Push, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The next thing I knew, he had me out on my bike, scoping out the trail with him.”
That planning paid off.
On the day, teams started from Millers Dale at staggered times and pushed their specifically modified off-road bins along the scenic route. In total, the four teams completed an impressive 132 miles – no small feat in the summer heat.
Sparking Conversations and Generosity
Although it was physically demanding, the Big Bin Push was also a powerful conversation starter. As walkers, cyclists and families passed by, many stopped to ask why groups of people were pushing these huge yellow bins through the countryside.
Many of those conversations led to generosity, and awareness of the charity was raised. A café along the route donated its tips for the day, Beltonville campsite contributed to the cause and even kept the teams refreshed with free drinks. Back at Millers Dale, two team members ran a donation and awareness stand, helping to spread the message even further.
By the end of the day, the results spoke for themselves. The original fundraising target was £2,000. The final total? £4,941 – more than double what the team had hoped for.
A Cause Close to the Heart
For Dave, the event was deeply personal. Speaking after the challenge, he said:
“I’m so proud of everyone involved in making the Big Bin Push a success. Pushing through very hot temperatures made the challenge harder, but the reward of raising not just money but also awareness for the charity, meeting people en route, and spending time with colleagues in such a beautiful environment made it all worthwhile.
The Children’s Bereavement Centre offers more than support; they create a community where children feel understood and never alone. I honestly don’t know where we’d be without them, and I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues at Sharpsmart for standing by me and supporting this journey.”
A Proud Sharpsmart Moment
After the miles were logged and the bins parked up, the day ended with live music, pizza, and well-earned rest – a chance to celebrate what had been achieved together. The Big Bin Push was a proud moment for Sharpsmart, showcasing the passion of our people, the strength of teamwork, and what’s possible when we come together behind a cause that truly matters.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported, donated, or cheered from the sidelines. You turned an ambitious idea into real impact and helped make a difficult journey a little more bearable for the children and families who need it.
Would you like to be a part of moments like this?
If you’re looking for an exciting career with a company that values giving and supporting others, consider joining our pride at Sharpsmart.
With Sharpsmart, you’ll play a key role in making healthcare safer and raising awareness about the things that matter.
Josh Glover
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