We’ve had the privilege of meeting countless incredible fundraisers at Charity Challenge, all driven by causes close to their hearts. In this latest Challenge Stories blog, we’re honoured to be shining a light on repeat challenger and dedicated fundraiser, Sharon Myers.
Which Charity Challenges have you completed?
To date I have completed four overseas Charity Challenge treks and I am already signed up for my fifth! I have previously raised money for various charities as I have always been rather adventurous and have always enjoyed challenging myself. I first raised money for charity by completing a solo static line parachute jump, having never at the time even flown before. I also climbed Mount Snowdon in Wales, on that occasion raising funds for Help for Heroes.
My first Charity Challenge trek was the Great Wall of China back in April 2012. I loved how the whole trip was organised, how the guides looked after you, how friendly everyone was in the group and how we walked several different sections of the wall. To sit eating your packed lunch on the wall and to see the sights with your own eyes is quite something. Very magical.
More recently, I completed three Charity Challenge treks within a twelve month period: Trek to Petra, Jordan in November 2023, the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek in March 2024, and Trek to Machu Picchu in September 2024.
What compels you to take on a challenge?
The reason I now undertake these treks is because sadly, I lost my son Christopher to suicide in October 2018. He was just 26 at the time. Since then, I have attended a monthly support group ‘Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide’, where you do not feel alone amidst the complicated and complex grief that follows a loss to suicide.
After attending this group for two years, I completed the training to become a volunteer myself to help run the monthly sessions. And now I find myself the lead volunteer, setting up a safe space and guiding the group (along with two other amazing volunteers).
I have raised funds for SOBS, however what is more important to me is raising awareness. I therefore wear the t-shirts with pride. I undertake these challenges for myself. This is what I need to do, to push myself both mentally and physically and feel proud of myself once I have completed the trek, and been awarded the much-deserved medal.
What’s it like sharing the challenge journey with others?
I would never wish to participate with any other company, as I value how well taken care of we are. We are at all times safe, and that of course, is very important to me, as I need to avoid stress at all costs. It is so inspiring to trek alongside others, who are each completing the treks for their own reasons. Everyone has a story and we share them openly. We are all just human beings who have been through the worst of times.
I have met some amazing, incredible people and I can honestly say that I have kept in touch with people who I met on each of the treks. So I have made several new and valuable friends. In fact recently, after eighteen months, most of the Himalayan group met up for a reunion lunch in London. It was so special, we never stopped smiling.
What’s been your favourite Charity Challenge so far and why?
My favourite trek was the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek.. I was part of an incredible group of challengers. Every single aspect of that trek was astounding, from arriving to the sights and sounds of Delhi, to travelling on an overnight sleeper train, to the car travel along the steep winding roads that made me feel quite sick, to seeing the snow-capped mountains. Wow.
We had two dogs join us and follow us for days. They became part of our team. As we crossed the finish line the local villagers celebrated joyously with us. Such memories will last a lifetime and I do wish we could all go back and experience the magic again.
On the Himalayan trek, our highlight was having the privilege of meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and receiving a personal blessing. I felt that he actually looked into my soul and knew that I had suffered. He held my hands and touched my cheek. Needless to say it was an emotional encounter and I cried, and I do not cry very often.
Any other Charity Challenge moments that stand out?
The trek to Petra was across the desert, up and down mountains and traversing through a canyon. It felt like we were part of an Indiana Jones movie with epic sights seen such as The Treasury, Monastery and the Royal Tombs carved into the rocks.
The most difficult trek for myself was Machu Picchu in Peru due to the effects of high altitude but I was looked after exceptionally well by our accompanying doctor and the whole support team. I was thankful to be helped along by one of the horses in particular.
Any advice to someone thinking of doing their first Charity Challenge?
For anyone considering taking on a trek with Charity Challenge, I would say do not hesitate, and my advice is to go for it. These are once in a lifetime opportunities to be a part of something special. There are simply not enough words to express my gratitude for the positive impact Charity Challenge has had on my life.
I am just one person trying my best to appreciate and enjoy life and grab opportunities. I am so excited to continue booking challenges over the next few years.
I was fortunate enough to complete the Dalai Lama Himalayan trek with both Simon and Jenn from Charity Challenge, both of whom were supportive, positive and passionate about the value of these treks.
What’s next for Sharon?
Needless to say, I have not been deterred and my next trek is booked! I cannot wait to head off to the Sumatra Jungle this September 2026. In conclusion, being bereaved by suicide is extremely traumatic but I hope I can help others by being, in some way, a positive role model.
You can learn more about Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide and find support via their website: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – Overcoming the isolation of people bereaved by suicide
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