Finding Purpose in Every Step:
My First Top Up Tap Challenge 

“Step through new doors. The majority of the time there’s something fantastic on the other side.” Oprah Winfrey 

Renewables Project Manager Padmini Maheshwari was inspired by a similar powerful idea and joined an enthusiastic group of colleagues from Scottish Water for the Top Up Tap Challenge,  taking on the first leg of the Edinburgh route from Cramond to Haymarket on a mild afternoon. Here’s her story…

Supporting WaterAid Through the Top Up Tap Challenge

Running has never been a part of my life; in fact, I always believed it was something I could never bring myself to do, especially in my 40s. However, despite my uncertainty, I was determined to give it a go. 

The Scottish Water Top Up Tap Challenge is held each year in support of WaterAid. The event raises both funds and awareness for the charity’s mission.

WaterAid works around the world to make sure everyone has access to clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene.

Teams from Scottish Water across the country took part. The challenge highlights the struggles faced by communities without clean water while also promoting active travel and reducing plastic waste.

What inspired me most was the strong sense of community and shared purpose. From the start, the event was inclusive – welcoming everyone, whether walking, running, or cycling. It was heartwarming to see colleagues bring along their partners and children.

Along the route, we ran and walked side by side. We cheered each other on and shared stories, creating new friendships along the way.

A Day of Community, Connection and Purpose

Meeting new people was undoubtedly the highlight of the day. I had the opportunity to connect with Scottish Water colleagues I’d never met before, and together we bonded over the shared challenge and our commitment to the cause. Supporting WaterAid added further meaning to the event. The thought that our collective efforts would help provide clean water to those in need made every step worth taking. It served as a powerful reminder that small actions, when multiplied, can have a significant impact. 

Reflecting on the experience, I am determined that I will be running the entire 14.5-mile route next year, it was truly that wonderful! The challenge taught me that venturing outside your comfort zone can lead to fantastic outcomes: new friendships, a sense of achievement, and the joy of making a difference. I am grateful that I took the step through this “new door.” 

Supporting WaterAid

To date, we have raised over £3,000 for WaterAid, and our fundraising page is still open. If you’d like to support this vital cause, you can do so here: Scottish Water Colleagues and Friends is fundraising for WaterAid