Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – SHARMEE SHAH

April 18, 2024

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining 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 Finance Executive – Sharmee Shah

Charity Challenge Finance Executive, Sharmee Shah

Name

Sharmee Shah

How long have you been part of the Charity Challenge team?

I will be completing 16 years this year and am one of the longest serving team members at Charity Challenge.

Charity Challenge Finance Executive, Sharmee Shah

What’s your role at Charity Challenge?

I work within the Finance team as a Finance Executive. This involves dealing with day-to-day financial queries with the various stakeholders.

Tell us a little bit about your background and what you did before joining Charity Challenge?

Being born and brought up in Kenya, I discovered a passion for travel at a young age spending large parts of my holidays in the various world-famous Game Parks at my doorstep. Since graduating, I always worked in travel both back in Kenya and the UK.

Charity Challenge Finance Executive, Sharmee Shah

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the flexibility, work-life balance and above all being part of a fantastic team.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to do a Charity Challenge?

Apart from physical readiness it is important to read all the professional advice, information and the FAQs provided by Charity Challenge. Also, it’s good to research about the culture and traditions of the countries in which you are looking to do the challenge.

Charity Challenge Finance Executive, Sharmee Shah

What’s been your favourite charity challenge (so far)?

I am yet to join a Charity Challenge. I’m still waiting to choose from the chocolate box! I did however do a 2-day Sapa Hill Tribe Trek in Vietnam. The scenery was breath-taking, and I am hoping to convince Charity Challenge to re-introduce it back into the portfolio.

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

All the Challenges we offer but at the top of my bucket list is Trek To Petra.

Charity Challenge Finance Executive, Sharmee Shah

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…

I have spent time with orphaned baby Orangutans as part of a trip to a rescue & rehabilitation sanctuary in Borneo. They are the cheekiest and smartest mammals.

Believe Achieve Inspire
Tips & Advice

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT PARTICIPANT DISCOUNTS

April 4, 2024

The kit you use and the clothing you wear can have a huge impact on your challenge experience.  So it’s really important that you have the right kit with you. Keeping warm when its cold, and dry when its wet can make the difference between a great challenge, and a miserable one.

We understand that good kit doesn’t come cheap, and shopping around can be time consuming. So we have teamed up with outdoor clothing and equipment specialists to offer you a range of discounted kit, perfectly tailored to your challenge!

Outdoorhire

Outdoorhire is a leading UK provider of hire equipment for trekking, hiking, snow safety gear, climbing, camping and other activities. They aim to ensure you receive the highest quality products and services. They provide hire equipment from top-ranking brands such as Mountain Hardwear, Montane, Mountain Equipment, Black Diamond, Scarpa and Petzl, all available to hire at a fraction of their retail price. The Outdoorhire team has decades of experience in the outdoors and are passionate about what they do. Based in East Sussex, they courier to anywhere in the United Kingdom. When you’re finished with the equipment they collect it so you don’t have to worry about storing or caring for it.

Outdoorhire are delighted to offer participants a 10% discount off any order. T&C’s apply. Details can be found in your participant account area.

Cotswold Outdoor

For 50 years, Cotswold Outdoor has been helping people explore the landscapes that bring them joy. Offering specialist advice on quality clothing, equipment and accessories from the best outdoor brands. With over 70 stores across the UK, their passionate and knowledgeable staff inspire customers to find the right fit through in-store boot and rucksack fitting services. That’s matched by a genuine commitment to minimising their environmental impact and protecting our happy places by helping customers make the right choice with quality kit that lasts. Supported by in-store services such as expert footwear protection and their Recycle My Gear recycling scheme.

Cotswold Outdoor are pleased to offer support to Charity Challenge participants through their Explore More scheme. By creating an Explore More account, you gain immediate access to members-only benefits from exclusive offers to extended warranty, and it’s completely free. Sign up here: Explore More | Cotswold Outdoor

Runners Need

Runners Need is built on a philosophy of inspiration, self-improvement and the belief that it’s never too late to start running. With over 60 stores and 8 million active runners across the UK, Runners Need are all about helping runners find the right kit from the world’s best brands to smash their goals. Whatever your run distance, style or terrain, their kit specialists are here to help you every step of the way. That’s matched by a genuine commitment to minimising their environmental impact by helping and encouraging people to buy quality kit that lasts to protect our happy places. Through championing responsible brands, expert services like in-store gait analysis and electronics advice to help you get out there with confidence.

Runners Need are pleased to offer support to Charity Challenge participants through their Explore More scheme. By creating an Explore More account, you gain immediate access to members-only benefits from exclusive offers to extended warranty, and it’s completely free. Sign up here: Explore More | Runners Need

Snow + Rock

With over four decades of experience, Snow+Rock thrives on pushing boundaries and standing out. Pioneers from the beginning, they continue to champion the best snow and outdoor brands. Bringing customers premium clothing and equipment guaranteed to perform in the wildest landscapes that make you smile. Spanning the UK, Snow+Rock offers one-to-one appointments and personalised advice from dedicated outdoor and snowsports gear specialists, from ski boot and rucksack fittings to custom adventure gear lists. 

Not only helping you find the right gear but supporting Snow+Rock’s commitment to minimising their environmental impact. Encouraging their community to make the right choice with gear that lasts, championing planet-friendly brands and Recycle My Gear services that keep gear out of landfill. Devoted to the finer details that make all the difference, whether you’re a hiker, mountaineer, skier or snowboarder, with their specialist knowledge, there’s no adventure they can’t help you conquer.

Snow + Rock are pleased to offer support to Charity Challenge participants through their Explore More scheme. By creating an Explore More account, you gain immediate access to members-only benefits from exclusive offers to extended warranty, and it’s completely free. Sign up here: Explore More | Snow+Rock

Water-to-Go

Water-to-Go is a water filter bottle that eliminates up to 99.9999% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals from any non-saltwater source in the world, providing safe drinking water wherever you are. The filters used in the BPA free water bottles are created based on technology originally developed for the NASA space programme.

Responsible travel has always underpinned the mission at Charity Challenge, but now we want to go further to reduce our impact on the environment and, among other initiatives, by reducing single-use plastic pollution. Charity Challenge customers can help with this by taking a Water-to-Go filter bottle with them.

By purchasing a Water-to-Go product using the code found in your participant account area, you will receive a 15% discount, and 15% of the sale will also towards Charity Challenge and their projects. T&C’s apply.

Nomad & MASTA – Trusted Travel Health Partner

We’re proud to partner with Nomad and MASTA, trusted leaders in travel health with over 40 years of experience. With a network of more than 90 clinics across the UK, their expert team provides tailored risk assessments based on your destination and health needs. They offer essential vaccinations, medications, and medical kits to prepare you for your journey, while also answering any travel health queries to ensure you travel prepared and protected.

As an exclusive benefit, when you book through our referral link, your appointment fee is completely free of charge. Details can be found in your participant account area.

Please note that vaccinations and products received at the appointment are charged separately*

Sporttape

At Charity Challenge we know being injured sucks. Using kinesiology tape and sports tapes can help protect you against injury (especially blisters!) and support recovery.  Our Challenge Leaders have been using these products for years, however now we want to make them accessible to you, our participants.  That is why we are delighted to announce our new partnership with SPORTTAPE.

SPORTTAPE was born out of a passion to help other athletes (get injured less and recover faster). They are a family business, with sport in their DNA, and they are on a mission to support a million athletes a week with tapes they can trust.

SPORTTAPE are delighted to offer participants a 10% discount to all Charity Challenge participants. T&C’s apply. Details can be found in your participant account area.

Believe Achieve Inspire
Tips & Advice

WHERE TO START – NUTRITION AND HYDRATION

March 12, 2024

This week is Nutrition and Hydration week so we wanted to share the importance of good nutrition and keeping well hydrated when you are out on a challenge. When you take care of what you put into your body, it will perform better for you, similar to a car.

If you have ever been out on a challenge with us you would have most likely heard one of our leaders saying “sippy sippy”. It is much better for you if you drink small amounts often instead of gulping loads of water infrequently. By taking smaller sips it will mean you are keeping continually hydrated. Staying hydrated can help you to improve your muscle function, regulate your blood pressure and improve your circulation. Plus you are more likely to absorb the water than have the urge to pee. We know how much you all hate peeing in the outdoors!

At high altitude and during exercise your fluid needs increase dramatically and hydration is vital, not least to help
prevent Altitude Sickness. There are various ways to get the right fluids into your body, with many people using water
bladders or bottles. Another alternative is a wide-mouth bottle with a drinking tube adaptor.

It is also really important to be aware that when you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which can drain your energy. The biggest sign of your body being low in electrolytes is muscle cramping, which can be debilitating for physical performance. It is also common to experience dizziness, confusion and an irregular heartbeat. You need to replace lost salts by regularly snacking on foods high in sodium, potassium and magnesium, or by adding electrolytes to your water.

Your body is like a car engine that can run off both petrol (carbs) and diesel (fat). The human body has the ability to burn both, the intensity of the exercise will dictate what fuel you burn, the higher the intensity, the more carbohydrates are required. When out hiking, you are going to encounter a mixture of high intensity and low intensity exertion as the terrain changes. You need to have an adequate mixture of food when out and about, so you are not riding the roller-coaster of sugar spikes and crashes*

We asked our Challenge Leaders “what are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?”

  • PHIL NELSON : Having tried all manner of weird and wonderful things over the years, my tip is to just eat things you like and lots of them. Sometimes participants turn up with lots of energy gels and electrolyte powders for water, which are all good but sometimes, real food is not taken too. These gels and powders are no substitute for real food and on a mountain, you may be walking all day, burning thousands of calories. My go to snacks for the UK is a good old fashioned meal deal; sandwich, snack like a samosa or pork pie, some chocolate bars, bags of salty crisps if its hot weather to replace lost salts, and a pack of sweets like Jelly Babies or Sour Patch Kids. To drink, I find water a little boring so often carry one of those little squeezy bottles of squash to jazz it up…if it tastes nice then I’ll drink more!
  • RAY SMITH : Chunky Kitkats (it’s an art packing them in your rucksack so they don’t melt in the heat) and SiS Hydration tablets in my water.
  • IAN WADDINGTON : My go to snack on the hill is a Go Bar, for me it is the right combination of carbohydrate with a bit of sweetness.  I usually have some sort of ’treat’ though.  
  • STEVE BERRY : Water and lots of it, always works for me!
  • LIZZY CODD : Something salty such as cashew nuts and something sweet such as jelly babies.  Water + salt + sugar = no need for horrid rehydration tabs! 
  • LOUISE ALLEN : I try to eat healthy on challenges so my go to snacks would be carrots and houmous, malt loaf and salted corn.
  • IAN MORTON : Lots of water, Babybels and Tunnocks Bars…
  • STEPH MILLER : Nuts! I’m nuts about nuts! I love granola bars / flapjacks and I keep myself topped up with those all important electrolytes so I can stay hydrated #hydrohomie.
  • JOHN ALLEN : I quite like dried mango. It’s a taste of sunshine, which is nice when the rain is lashing down!  Just plain water for me as it can be used for more than just drinking. Try washing your hands or cleaning a wound with a sports drink!
  • DANNY BARDEN : Nakd bars and a dark chocolate, honey roast peanut and dried mango pieces trail mix.
  • PENNY KNIGHT : My go to snacks are flapjacks and salted peanuts – tasty, cheap and packed with calories!
  • DUNCAN TURNBULL : I love pork pies, crisps, and my own special trail mix of mixed nuts, dried fruit, dried bananas, and Smarties yum yum!! Plus plenty of water. The reason for the pork pies and crisps is the high calorie intake to replace calories burned during ascents and crisps to help salt replacement!
  • TOM ARMES : Anything with chocolate on lol ….and Haribo’s plus I do like orange squash in my water rather than just plain water !
  • COLIN LOVELL : Surprisingly on overseas trips I don’t usually worry about snacks. Food is always good enough. For hydration lots of electrolyte tablets and isotonic powders added to water and recovery drinks with milk afterwards.
  • RICHARD SIMPKIN : Obviously I should have some really sensible and practical answers but I reckon that snacks should be something you enjoy, so Tunnocks bars (I believe that you have to carry them by law in some destinations) and Sports Mixtures……

As you can see for the list above, everyone has their own favourite way to keep fueled and hydrated on a challenge. The key is to find something that works for you. Experiment with different snacks while you are out training and try to take notice of the effect it has on your body. We dont want a roller-coaster of sugar spikes and crashes.

And remember, when you have been on the go all day there is nothing nicer that tucking into one of your favourite treats to give you the final push you need to get to the finish line!

*sources : https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/nutrition-hiking-hill-walking/

Believe Achieve Inspire
Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – STEPH MILLER

March 5, 2024

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining 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 Challenge Leader – Steph Miller

Steph Miller

Name

Steph Miller

How long have you been a Challenge Leader with Charity Challenge?

Three years

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

Oh dear… that’s a tough one because I’ve been honoured to be a part of some incredible international adventures and likewise some incredible UK expeditions. I think my favourite challenge, rather than a place, are those where team work and comradery are at their highest. To be a part of a team, supporting each other is humbling and good for the soul. I’d say its the experience over the expedition.

Steph Miller, Challenge Leader

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

Yes… I’ll narrow it down to all of them

How do you keep your body in tip top shape for the challenge season?

I work hard throughout the year to maintain good physical fitness and mental strength for challenge season. The more I take care of myself throughout the year, the more I feel prepared and the more I enjoy the challenges.

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

Nuts! I’m nuts about nuts! I love granola bars / flapjacks and I keep myself topped up with those all important electrolytes so I can stay hydrated #hydrohomie 

Steph Miller, Challenge Leader

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

I do the same for myself as I would advise others to do – to work on good physical fitness and take care of your mind leading up to challenges. Ultimately though I believe people know what they need. Whether they take care of those needs is subjective but ultimately that would be my advice – you know what you need for the challenge, how can you make sure you get it?

What 5 items do you always pack in your day rucksack?

Waterproofs! Yes it looks sunny but this is England! Compeed because blisters can happen to the best of us. Plenty of water, oodles of snacks and a variety of layers because again…. this is England!

What is the best thing about being a leader?

Being part of a team. At Charity Challenge us leaders have a family vibe going on and it’s so incredibly fun and supportive. Its in absolute trust and respect and there’s nothing we can’t achieve together

Steph Miller, Challenge Leader

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Being able to help outdoor companies develop mental health awareness as a part of outdoor challenges and working with participants to develop mental resiliency to push past those blocks and watch them achieve things their minds wouldn’t allow them to imagine. It’s incredibly humbling and its so special every single time. 

Believe Achieve Inspire
Inspiration

MEET OUR PARTNER – OUTDOORHIRE

February 20, 2024

At Charity Challenge, we are extremely proud of the relationships we have built with our partners over the years. We understand how nerve racking it can be to take on a challenge for the first time, which is why we are working closely with a range of reputable suppliers to help provide support to all of our charity and corporate clients and challenge participants on their challenge journey. We felt it is time to shine a spotlight on each of our partners so you can get to know them better!

Outdoorhire

Partner name

Outdoorhire

Tell us about your business

Outdoorhire, the UK’s leading outdoor equipment rental provider, is proud to partner with Charity Challenge, uniting their passion for adventure with the power of giving back.

Whether you’re scaling mountains for medical research or trekking through jungles for wildlife conservation, Outdoorhire has your back (and feet!). The Outdoorhire website, is your one-stop shop for top-quality gear from renowned brands like Montane, Mountain Hardwear and Black Diamond. From expedition clothing and sleeping bags to backpacks and hiking poles, all meticulously maintained and ready to fuel your next challenge.

Outdoorhire

Why did you choose to partner with Charity Challenge?

Outdoorhire and Charity Challenge share a deep commitment to empowering individuals to push their boundaries while making a real difference in the world. With Charity Challenge offering a vast spectrum of exciting fundraising adventures, like summiting Kilimanjaro or trekking to Machu Picchu, there’s something for every passion and purpose.

What benefits do you offer Charity Challenge participants?

Exclusive Discounts: Get 10% off your hire when you use your Charity Challenge discount code (available in your account area after you have booked on). The cost of hiring is also significantly less than buying equivalent quality gear, so why not get the best gear at a fraction of the cost. That’s more gear for your journey, and more impact for your charity cause!

Priority Booking: Secure your essential equipment before it’s gone. Charity Challenge participants get priority access to popular items, ensuring you’re fully equipped for your chosen adventure.

Expert Advice: Not sure what gear you need? Don’t fret! Outdoorhire’s team is just a click or call away, offering expert advice tailored to your specific challenge activity and terrain.

Environmental Sustainability: Hiring your expedition gear saves money but also saves the environment. Renting extends the life cycle of equipment, reducing the need for constant production and resource depletion. Every rented jacket is one less jacket gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere. The equipment is delivered and collected by net-zero carbon couriers too! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is Outdoorhire’s mantra.

Social Support: Join the vibrant Outdoorhire and Charity Challenge communities on social media! Share your training tips, fundraising milestones, and breathtaking expedition photos. You’ll find endless inspiration and a network of like-minded individuals embarking on incredible journeys for good.

Outdoorhire

Connect on social

Follow Outdoorhire on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates, exclusive offers, and inspiring stories.

Remember, every climb, every hike, every pedal stroke becomes a powerful act of generosity when you join forces with Outdoorhire and Charity Challenge. So, gear up, embrace the spirit of adventure, and make a difference every step of the way!

Believe Achieve Inspire
Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – ANNIE JACKSON

February 12, 2024

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining 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 Overseas Operations Manager – Annie Jackson

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

Name

Annie Jackson

How long have you been part of the Charity Challenge team?

Almost 2 years now!

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

What’s your role at Charity Challenge?

Overseas Operations Manager

Tell us a little bit about your background and what you did before joining Charity Challenge?

I have done quite a few different things from selling houses on the West Coast of Scotland to running a café in Brisbane. The main thing is I have loved them all and fell in love with exploring and just giving things a go. I am now settled in The Lake District with my 2 doggies & husband, Ryan where we spend our weekends pinching ourselves that we actually live in this beautiful part of the UK!

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The variety I have each day! One day I can be focused on setting up a new challenge for Jordan and the next day, I can be looking at Morocco and working out how we can get 60+ people from A to B. Its very fun!

What advice would you give someone who is looking to do a Charity Challenge?

Get the best quality kit you can afford from day one and train in it. I promise you; it will last you forever, it will be more comfortable, and you’ll have a better experience on your challenge because you were warm, dry and comfortable.

Also, remember that you don’t have to buy everything brand new. Borrowing from friends and family is such a good option. I used my sister’s trekking rucksack for years until she ended up getting fed up and bought me one for my birthday. Also, second-hand sites/apps like Vinted or Ebay are great options aswell. I will always look on Vinted before I consider buying anything brand new and I can usually find it a lot cheaper and in great condition.

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

What’s been your favourite charity challenge (so far)?

I really enjoyed climbing Mount Toubkal in Morocco. We went in November time so there was some snow fields and I got to use crampons and an ice ace – I felt very cool! We were also extremely lucky and had a blue-bird day so the views from the top were spectacular!

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

Does anyone ever answer ‘no’ to this?! There’s always going to be challenges left on my list! Dog Sledding in Sweden, Mount Kenya (then a Safari 😉), Iceland Lava Trek…the list goes on!

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…

I am 29 years old and I still have a little baby tooth.

Believe Achieve Inspire