Sopra Steria raises more than £17,500 through Operation Enigma

From code-breaking on the South Downs to a post-walk celebration at our Rustington Centre, Operation Enigma brought Sopra Steria employees and blind veterans together for an 11km fundraising challenge.

On 14 May, 55 employees from our corporate partner Sopra Steria joined 10 blind veterans for a fundraising walk through the South Downs, raising more than £17,500 to support our work.

Employees travelled from across the UK, including from as far as Glasgow, to take part. They were joined by members of our Rustington Centre team and four volunteers.

The group completed the circular route in approximately three and a half hours, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way.

Participants were split into 10 teams and challenged to complete a code-breaking activity during the walk, giving Operation Enigma its name.

As well as raising vital funds, Sopra Steria employees gave their time and encouragement to the blind veterans taking part, helping to make the event a supportive and memorable experience.

A shared challenge on the South Downs

Operation Enigma gave Sopra Steria employees the opportunity to spend the day alongside blind veterans, allowing them to learn more about the lived experience of sight loss and see first-hand the difference their support makes.

Walking together also gave employees practical experience of sighted guiding and an insight into how outdoor activities can form part of rehabilitation. Taking on a challenge in a supportive environment can help blind veterans build confidence, develop new skills and rediscover what is possible after sight loss.

For blind veteran Bob, the route was a significant personal challenge. It was his first long-distance walk since losing his sight and his first time using a walking cane.

Bob and his wife, Sarah, said:

“The walk proved to be an extreme physical and mental challenge. The team from Sopra Steria provided constant encouragement, support and good humour throughout.

“We cannot thank the Sopra Steria team enough for giving Bob a wonderful sense of achievement, which would not have been possible without their support. We will never forget their kindness and support.”

Mike Groves, who works in Finance at Sopra Steria, was among the colleagues who supported Bob during the walk. He said:

“Bob’s determination was inspiring. We found ourselves some distance behind the more experienced veterans, but sheer determination and team support helped Bob over the finish line.

“Getting involved is really rewarding. The veterans are spirited and have lots of interesting stories to tell, and we get to develop connections with our own colleagues too.”

Celebrating at our Rustington Centre

After completing the route, participants returned to our Centre of Wellbeing in Rustington to celebrate their achievement and the partnership between Blind Veterans UK and Sopra Steria.

The evening included a buffet, a sight loss-friendly version of musical bingo and karaoke.

Speaking at the celebration, Kellie Darcy-Pattenden, Interim Head of Centre Services at our Rustington Centre, explained how the day had formed part of the rehabilitation taking place there. She said:

“Rehabilitation doesn’t just happen in classrooms or clinics. It happens on walks like today, through the encouragement, conversations and shared sense of ‘we’ve got this’.

“What you’ve experienced today is exactly what we aim to achieve every day: rebuilding confidence and independence. You haven’t just raised money; you’ve been part of that journey.”

Partnership support passes £111,500

Blind Veterans UK has been the Charity of the Year partner for Sopra Steria’s Aerospace, Defence and Security sector since 2023. Operation Enigma was the third annual fundraising hike held as part of our partnership with Sopra Steria and the first organised by our Rustington Centre team.

About Sopra Steria

Sopra Steria is a major European technology company with 51,000 employees across nearly 30 countries. In the UK, it provides consulting and digital services to organisations in both the public and private sectors, including government departments, the Ministry of Defence and leading brands in industries such as financial services, retail, transport and utilities.

The £17,500 raised through Operation Enigma takes Sopra Steria’s total support for Blind Veterans UK to more than £111,500.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Sopra Steria who took part, supported blind veterans along the route or contributed to the fundraising. The company’s employees will continue their support through engagement and volunteering activities across the UK.

Funds raised through the partnership help us provide rehabilitation, training and support to blind veterans, enabling them to rebuild their confidence and independence after sight loss.

Could your organisation help make a difference? Bring colleagues together, build meaningful connections with blind veterans and support our vital services.