Three colleagues from M&S Liffey Valley are swapping the shop floor for the mountain peaks this June, embarking on an ambitious 28km trek to support young people’s mental health.
Customer Assistants Karen, Nicola and Dawn – who share a combined 45 years of service at M&S – will take on Mind over Miles on 3rd June as part of M&S's Big Fun-raiser campaign.
For these three colleagues, the hike isn't just about physical endurance; it’s a tribute to the support they’ve received from each other and from M&S during their toughest times. Over their decades at the store, all three have navigated the pain of bereavement - Karen losing her husband, and Nicola and Dawn losing a parent.
The 28km endurance challenge across seven peaks in the Dublin Mountains will test their physical and mental resilience, as they join colleagues across Ireland to raise vital funds and awareness for Jigsaw, supporting young people’s mental health.
“M&S have been so supportive throughout my time here,” Karen shared “Whenever I needed anything, especially when going through losing my husband, they were very good to us. It makes you want to give that support back to the community and this seemed like the perfect way.”
The choice to support Jigsaw is deeply personal for all three. Both Dawn and Karen’s daughters have benefitted of Jigsaw’s services in the past.
Having witnessed their daughters navigate the grief of losing a father and a grandmother, Dawn and Karen have seen first-hand how Jigsaw’s professional support can be a lifeline for a young person in crisis with Jigsaw offering their counselling services to both girls.
“I’ve seen how much it helps,” says Dawn. “Knowing that the money we raise goes directly to helping young people find their footing again makes every mile worth it.”
With the challenge fast approaching, training is well underway. The trio have kitted themselves out with hiking boots and are beginning to clock up the miles ahead of the big day.
Despite the daunting 7-peak itinerary, the mood is one of excitement. For Dawn, who has been with M&S for 19 years, this is brand new territory. “I love a challenge,” she says. “It’s exciting, and I’ve never done anything like this before and it’s extra special that it’s for such a good cause!”
Nicola, a long-standing member of the Liffey Valley team with 19 years of service, is looking forward to the power of the group. “It’s just good to be part of it all,” she says. “We’ll go along pushing each other - it’s so good to have each other there when the climb gets tough and we’ll support each other to the end.”
Karen, a 7-year member of the M&S Liffey Valley team, agrees that the team bond is their "secret weapon" for the 28km trek. “The goal is to reach that finish line together,” she says. “We’re doing it - together and that will keep us going along the way.”
As they prepare to hit the Wicklow trails, the Liffey Valley team is rallying behind them. Keep an eye out in-store for ways you can support Karen, Nicola, and Dawn as they climb for a cause.
Mike Mansfield, Director of Communications and Fundraising at Jigsaw commented: “We are so encouraged to see Karen, Nicola and Dawn - and indeed all M&S colleagues from across the network - undertake this truly unique challenge on behalf of Jigsaw. Everyday, M&S colleagues across Ireland go above and beyond in support of our partnership and we are so, so grateful. At the heart of the campaign are the frontline teams engaging with customers, starting conversations and taking on extraordinary challenges like the M&S Big Fun-raiser. We wish everyone involved the very best of luck.”
M&S is proud to be supporting Jigsaw through its ‘Together We’ve Got This’ partnership, which launched in June 2024. Since then, more than €250,000 has been raised to help expand access to vital mental health services for young people across Ireland, with a target of €350,000 over three years.
To learn more about the event or to donate, visit thebigfunraiser.ie
-ENDS-
2026 Regional Charity & Community