This September, we’re taking part in the Cumbrian Challenge, in aid of veterans' charity Walking with the Wounded.
The Cumbrian Challenge will see our four teams tackle the gruelling hike across numerous peaks and scenic fell ground in the Lake District. Three of our teams will tackle the ‘Tough’ 25km route, while one brave team will take the ‘Tougher’ 32km route.
Their efforts are all for a fantastic cause. The Walking With The Wounded charity supports ex-military and disadvantaged veterans to re-integrate back into society and sustain their independence.
It was Team Captain Carl Ribchester who encouraged the business to get involved with the Challenge. “The WWTW challenge is a great team building event. I’m excited to take part because it’s an activity I love in a stunning area of the country, supporting a well deserving and underrepresented charity that delivers sustainable life changing results,” he said.
Carl will be leading team ‘I Can See the Pub From Here’ alongside Alex and David, as they tackle the ‘Tougher’ route.
This fantastic charity is also hugely significant for Michael Gates. Michael, who will be leading Team ‘Who Dares Gins’ with Dylan, Kelsey and Rebecca, has completed the Challenge in previous years. Before taking up a career in the utilities industry, he served in the military for eight years.
“The Cumbrian challenge is very close to my own heart. I served in the Royal Logistic Corp for eight years. I have lost friends in Iraq and Afghanistan and know a few people who have been seriously injured while on Op Tour. For me this isn't a challenge, it’s an honour.”
Our additional two teams ‘The Non Professionals’ and ‘Mountain Rescue on Speed Dial' will also be taking part in the Tough 25km Route. Members include Recruiter Claire, who also led our Christmas Jumper fundraiser for Save the Children, and trainer Deb, who will be swapping the Kickstart classroom for the great outdoors.
Training has begun, with participants hitting the fells in their free time and drumming up sponsors to raise as much as possible for the cause.