At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of our incredible head office team. We know it can be a little daunting signing up for a challenge for the first time, so we thought you might like to meet the team in advance of your Charity Challenge. Today, we introduce you to our amazing Account Manager, Tilly Sawyer…
Please introduce yourself…
Hello! I’m Tilly Sawyer, Account Manager and certified office chatterbox at Charity Challenge. I’ve worked here for 18 months.
Tell us a little bit about your background and what you did before joining Charity Challenge?
Before I found my happy place in the world of adventure and altitude, I was shimmying through the food and drink industry, sprinkling joy in the form of marshmallows and peanut butter wherever I went. And before that? A fabulous stint as an estate agent, think Selling Sunset but a whole lot less glam! Oh, and before that I studied fashion at university! So if you ever need someone to accessorise a head torch or make waterproofs look chic on a summit, I’m your girl. Plus, I never show up to a trek without top-tier snacks.
What does your role at Charity Challenge entail?
Where do I start?! My role at Charity Challenge is a glorious mash-up of organising epic challenges in many different shapes and sizes, chatting with amazing clients, and occasionally getting muddy in the name of charity (and content). Once a client referred to me as a professional tapper and yapper and honestly, I wear that badge with pride. Whether I’m out on a trek or at my desk with six-million tabs open and a coffee the size of my face, I love it all.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Easy: the people. I get to connect with brilliant folks from all walks of life, charity heroes, corporates and everyone in between. Plus, every day is different. One minute I’m trying to courier tents to Cambodia, the next I’m knee-deep in glitter. Keeps me on my toes (in very sturdy hiking boots, of course).
What advice would you give someone who is looking to do a Charity Challenge?
Bite the bullet and do it! Don’t take yourself too seriously, make sure you have lots of snacks and own the fact that you probably will smell. Take it from someone who had never camped, wild-weed, or owned a walking boot before this job. Now? I think I could give Bear Grylls a run for his money.
What’s been your favourite charity challenge you’ve attended (so far)?
Ooh this is a toughie—but hands down, the one-day treks with CoppaFeel! in the Peak District and Yorkshire were magic. It was all the feels: laughter, tears, and a surprisingly good sleep in a tent (who knew?!). Honestly, I left with full heart, sore feet, and an itch to go back for more.
Which Charity Challenge would be the top of your bucket list and why?
I get asked this question on a daily basis and my answers change every single day because of how amazing all of the treks are! At he moment my top contenders are:
Great Wall of China – The trek looks amazing but the panda extension sold me!
Trek Angkor Wat – Because I fell in love with South East Asia and this one comes with dreamy views, unbeatable food, and amazing culture.
Leave us with an interesting fact about yourself…
When I bought my dog, Ronnie Barker, I thought she was a boy for three whole weeks (hence the name).
1 Comment
Tilly’s mix of adventure and client care is exactly what makes these challenges feel more personal. The mention of snacks and six million tabs really brought the reality of the job to life!