Paris Smith Managing Partner completes 50-mile charity trek

A legal firm’s Managing Partner has taken on a 50-mile hike from Winchester to Southampton and then Bournemouth in just two days to raise money for cardiac charity Heartbeat.

Paris Smith’s Managing Partner Huw Miles has hiked between the firm’s three offices in Winchester, Southampton and Bournemouth, successfully raising £2,440 for Heartbeat’s pioneering 3D heart project.

Huw set off from the heart of Winchester city centre on Sat 11 April and crossed the finish line on Sunday 12 April at the firm's newest office in Bournemouth, hiking through New Forest National Park along the way.

The 3D heart project transforms 2D scans of babies and young children’s hearts into models, enabling surgeons to practice complex procedures before an operation takes place – which means surgeons can perform safer, more precise operations.

Heartbeat is Paris Smith’s chosen charity for 2025/2026 with an annual fundraising target of £10,000.  Paris Smith has smashed its fundraising target, raising an incredible £11,818 for Heartbeat.

Commenting on his achievement, Huw said: “Getting your steps in can help boost your cardiac health, so I felt my walking challenge across the south was a great way to fundraise for Heartbeat, a cause which is very important to me for personal reasons. It was tough at times, but I’m delighted with the fundraising total. The money raised will be going towards a remarkable programme that’s helping surgeons save lives and educating our future heart specialists. I also had the pleasure of an overnight stay at Heartbeat House, and have seen first hand the inspirational work done by a special group of people.”

CEO of Heartbeat Mark Ind said: “Huw’s incredible fundraising efforts are helping to drive a project that is already transforming the way our surgeons perform life-saving operations on babies and young children. Beyond this, our 3D heart models are deepening understanding of complex heart conditions, enabling us to continue providing vital support and funding to the Cardiac Unit so patients receive the very best care possible. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Huw for taking on such a remarkable challenge, and also to everyone at Paris Smith for their support. Your commitment is making a real and lasting difference to the cardiac community.”