At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of our amazing team of leaders. 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 one of our experienced Charity Challenge leaders, Elliot Swinney…
How long have you worked with Charity Challenge as a leader?
I’ve been a leader since 2015 and have worked with Charity Challenge for the past 3 years.
What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?
My favourite challenge so far has been the Brecon Beacons CoppaTrek! with Gi in 2024. Spending a week with both an incredible group of participants and with the Charity Challenge team was absolutely brilliant. It was an amazing location for the event, the trails were beautiful and the atmosphere, challenge and achievement by the end was just superb.
Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?
Now that’s a long list! But I’d love to do the Sumatra Jungle Challenge and Trek Patagonia is at the top.
How do you keep your fitness in tip top shape for challenge season?
Luckily the job itself keeps me pretty fit, but through the winter I get out hiking as much as possible and when the weather is grim, the stationary bike keeps me going!
What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?
You can’t go wrong with a Tunnock’s caramel wafer or a Toffee Crisp! But for longer treks, I don’t snack very much – I find that three good meals keeps me moving comfortably. The key is to drink lots of water and an occasional hydration sachet.
Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?
- Tip 1 – The fitter you are going into a challenge the more you will enjoy it! Put in that little extra training work to get the most out of whichever challenge you sign up for.
- Tip 2 – Get your shoes off during longer breaks, cooling the feet down makes a long day’s hike much easier.
- Tip 3 – Keep smiling! There’s always something to smile or have a laugh about, even when you’re going through the hardest part of a challenge and you feel knackered.
What 5 items do you always pack in your daypack?
Headtorch, waterproofs, a small medical kit, a power bank and an emergency choccy bar.
What is the best thing about being a leader?
When the job is going well, it really doesn’t feel like work. Being able to help people succeed in all manner of different challenges and get out of their comfort zone is incredibly rewarding. Also being able to lead trips and complete these challenges with my wife (who is also a leader) is really special.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Crossing Costa Rica from East to West Coast with no trail or maps, just a compass bearing through the jungle over 12 days, whilst raising money for the Outward Bound Trust.
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