FUNDRAISING and FEAR at FIFTY.
Just a couple of months ago I turned 50, which in itself doesn’t bother me in the slightest. But to sign up for the biggest physical challenge I have ever undertaken, I mean ever, and turn 50 does fill me with some fear!
For a good cause, people will do things that challenge them. For a great cause, they will do things that really do scare them. Why? Because difficult things tend to encourage people to dig a little bit deeper when making donations. Well, I believe this challenge certainly exceeds the "difficult" criteria!
Starting in March, myself and two of my colleagues are embarking on a coast to coast trek of Costa Rica, from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. Nine days, 274 kilometres, a bike, a kayak, a raft, some walking boots and a lot of insect repellent.
About The Three of Us
"We" are a team of three Directors at Away Resorts that have come together to help contribute to an amazing cause that is very close to our hearts. Importantly, as it is good for my confidence, we have all achieved the milestone of being 50 years young.
Helen Bacon is our Director of People Strategy. She seems to maintain a healthy lifestyle as she often tells me that she has been in a spinning class, plus, she owns a bike!
Andy Edge is our Chief Commercial Officer. He has undertaken triathlons and 100-mile bike rides. He also owns a bike.
Me? I haven't been a lifelong fitness fanatic that's for sure. I used to be very athletic as a boy, but alas that ship sailed long ago, so this really is a bit of a scary challenge. It's fair to say though, we are all a little nervous!
The Motivation
We have been inspired to support a new charity whose aim is to create a healing, magical resort called The Kids Village. As they describe in their literature, "Our clear aim is to help children with critical illnesses and their families across the UK by giving them crucial respite from the trauma of being in hospitals. We want to give them all hope, positivity and confidence through creating magical holiday experiences that will provide them all with amazing memories away from the day to day stresses of the medical environment." The experience for every guest will be "Cost free. Worry free. Memory rich." Amazing!
I also know the family who that is behind this charity. They know exactly what the pain and worry feels like when you have a child with a life-threatening illness. Sammie (their daughter), who’s now 25, was diagnosed with cancer aged nine. The future was uncertain and there were years of operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and worry. They struggled to enjoy quality time together, something they intend to resolve for others that maybe in their shoes.
The Aim
We want to contribute at least £20,000 in 2020 to HELP bring this amazing charity to life. To achieve this, the challenge we will face in March is to travel coast to coast across Costa Rica from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We will be travelling East to West on foot, kayak, raft and bike… all in 9 days. This is some challenge for us all, but we know we can do it. Rest assured that we are personally and entirely funding all our travel, expedition and accommodation costs ourselves. Every penny of donations received goes straight to the charity.
If you want to donate yourself, why not visit our fundraising page by clicking here
We would be so grateful for whatever you could provide, and remember that 100% of the money raised will go towards building The Kids Village. Along the way, we will keep you updated with our training and then our progress during the challenge. Let the sleepless nights begin!