Inspiration, Latest News

MEET THE TEAM: ELLIOT SWINNEY

September 3, 2025

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…

meet the team: elliot swinney blog

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. 

elliot swinney, charity challenge leader, smiling with a group of particiapnts on the coppatrek! with gi brecon beacons challenge

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!

elliot swinney, charity challenge leader smiling whilst on a snowy trek.

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.
elliot swinney, at a campsite, wearing an orange charity challenge down jacket and smiling to the camera

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.

elliot swinney smiling with his wife, whilst both working as leaders

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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Challenges, Latest News, Tips & Advice

DALAI LAMA HIMALAYAN TREK: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE

August 28, 2025

The Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek is a challenging and immersive journey from bustling Delhi to the peaceful Indian Himalaya. As a Charity Challenge participant, you’ll follow the pristine Uhl River, trekking through Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama. To help you prepare for this challenge, we’ve pulled together an essential guide full of tips and tricks, including insider advice from our experienced team…

a group of smiling trekkers posing with a Charity Challenge flag, surrounded by Indian Himalaya mountains

What is the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek?

This is a unique expedition through the Indian Himalayas, combining stunning mountain scenery with an immersive cultural experience. Trek along the Uhl River, passing rhododendron forests, Hindu villages and secluded Buddhist monasteries in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan community. You’ll discover an area of pristine, unspoiled beauty!

Highlights include:

  • Trek through the famous Indian Himalaya and witness spectacular mountain panoramas.
  • Immerse yourself in culture with guided visits to Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and experience a window into authentic Tibetan Life.
  • Follow a route rarely-trekked, resulting in a journey through peaceful, plentiful natural beauty.
people trekking with walking poles and daypacks in line formation over snowy ground in the Indian Himalayas

What will I achieve?

This 11-day itinerary involves 5-days of continuous trekking, and is graded as ‘challenging’, meaning a good level of fitness, adventurous spirit and training is required. Some high altitude is involved, but this is compensated for by easier trekking terrain and conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll accomplish (and can proudly share with your sponsors!):

  • Trek an average of 15-20km per day.
  • Reach high altitude, at a maximum of approximately 3000 metres above sea level.
  • Stay overnight in lodges and campsites, with very basic facilities.
  • Trek through unique remote areas, in which you will see no other tourists or trekkers!
  • To top it all off, you will be tackling this in aid of a charity of your choice – pushing yourself for a cause that’s close to your heart.
people trekking past farmland anf mountains on the dalai lama himalayan trek

I’m thinking of booking, what do I need to know?

For a quick overview of what to expect from this challenge, we’ve pulled together some advice below – including some top tips straight from our experienced team of leaders! For further information please visit our Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek webpage, which covers all details thoroughly.

1. Train for the Terrain

Training and preparation are essential for this trek – remember, you’ll be trekking over mountainous terrain, with ascents and descents each day. During your training, focus on building stamina, leg and joint strength and balance. Aim to get outdoors on rugged terrain with a similarly weighted daypack to prepare for the 4-7 hours of trekking you’ll face each day. Build up to a long weekend of consecutive trekking – this will set you up in great stead for your challenge!

Top Tips:

  • Your training must include mountainous and hilly terrain, as there are significant ascents and descents on trekking days. – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Don’t forget that the day’s high point is only half the journey! Focus on getting your knees as strong as possible when training to help ease the long descents that follow the summits. ‘Box step downs’ and ‘wall sit’ exercises both help build endurance and joint control. You can also carry Ibuprofen gel for any soreness that might develop. – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
a group of trekkers lead by a smiling woman, walking over rocky terrain in the Indian Himalayas

2. Gear up for success

Full details of what to pack can be found in your challenge Kit List. Generally, you can take one item of checked baggage (20kg max) and a 25-33L day pack, which is what you’ll carry with you as you trek – check out our blog on daypacks here! Depending on which month your challenge is, the average temperatures can vary – but generally, you can always expect the temperature to change from warm/hot days to much cooler nights (sometimes dropping below 0 degrees!). Our dates avoid the peak rainy season, but you should still be prepared for some wet weather and pack quality waterproofs.

Top Tips:

  • I highly recommend bringing a roll of Kinesiology tape (like SPORTTAPE) – rather than standard blister plasters. It works by reducing direct friction on the skin and therefore, the formation of blisters. It’s stretchy, so aim to apply in one smooth layer with no creases or doubling up. It can either be left on till it falls off – or can be replaced each night as it doesn’t damage the skin when you remove it. – Lizzy Codd, Charity Challenge Leader
  • They may not be an ‘essential’, but learning to use walking poles can be extremely beneficial for the tough downhill sections that strain your knees. Buy or rent your own and get used to using them during training, so they become a natural part of your stride. Your knees will thank you! – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Even though you are heading to the snow-capped Indian Himalayas don’t underestimate the heat – pack plenty of SPF50 sun cream. As you will also face colder weather, a multi-layered clothing system will give you the most flexibility and comfort. – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
a close up of a woman wearing a backpack with walking poles attached to the outside, standing in front of a view of some Indian Himalayan mountains

3. Consider the small comforts

While the trek itself is demanding, a few small comforts can make a big difference to your overall experience. From rest on long journeys to easing tired feet at camp – some little touches can help keep you feeling your best throughout the adventure.

  • Take a good neck pillow, ear buds and an eye mask, as you have a number of journeys on trains, coaches and 4x4s, up to and back from the Himalayas (in addition to the long haul flights) – these could help you get more of that much needed rest. – Simon Albert, Charity Challenge Co-Founder and Director
  • Comfy trainers or sandals to change into at camp are essential to let your feet breath after a hard day’s trekking. – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Travelling to India can pose other challenges, the change in diet has a reputation for causing upset stomachs. Eating the local yogurt when you get into the country is a great way to soothe any stomach issues you may have! – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
  • The most magical part of the day in the India Himalayas is sunrise and sunset. Give yourself time to enjoy these moments as they will be instilled in your memories forever. – Jenn Payne, Head of Sales & Marketing
two man tents pitched up with a woman standing in the background looking out at the setting sun

To conclude…start prepping!

If you are now seriously considering taking on the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek, we strongly recommend heading over to our website to read through our full Itinerary, Costs, Kit List and extensive Essential Information tabs. You’ll find everything you need to know here in detail, from timings, locations, food and drink, difficulty level breakdowns, training advice, group safety, equipment and much, much more (including answers to those all-important ‘what if?’ questions).

Our blog also hosts a wealth of resources to help prepare you for your fundraising challenge.

a man touching a Tibetan Mani prayer wheel as he walks past

Why should I book the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek with Charity Challenge?

Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the best Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek itinerary that is geared towards providing participants with both a challenging trek expedition and real cultural immersion.

Since 1999, we have specialised in operating challenges for charity fundraisers. We partner with 1000’s of UK and Irish charities already – and our team is happy to reach out to a charity of your choice to make your dream fundraising challenge happen. (Or, if you don’t fancy fundraising, the good news is you can simply self-fund and join us anyway!).

  • You will be lead by an English-speaking challenge leader and supported by local guides – including a guided walk through Dharamsala, where you’ll learn about Buddhism, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan way of life.
  • Our itinerary allows you time to explore and take in this amazing part of the world, offering plenty of opportunity to bond with your fellow participants over home-cooked meals and warming campsite fires.
  • We also offer an exciting optional extension, where you can visit the Taj Mahal, Keoladeo National Par and Fatephur Sikri.

Remember, the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek is graded as a ‘challenging’ and is designed to push you out of your comfort zone. With the right preparation, this picturesque challenge is incredibly rewarding, memorable and impressive to complete – making it an excellent choice for an Overseas Charity Challenge!

BOOK YOUR DALAI LAMA HIMALAYAN TREK HERE!

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Latest News, Tips & Advice

MEET OUR PARTNER: THE ALTITUDE CENTRE

August 22, 2025

What is high altitude and why might it affect me?

Some of our overseas Charity Challenges involve trekking at high altitude, where the oxygen levels in the air are reduced. Healthy people can travel to altitudes of up to and above 6000m, as long as they are properly acclimatised. If you’re not acclimatised, you could suffer from ‘altitude sickness’, noticing your pulse rate and breathing rate increases, as your body works harder to get available oxygen to the muscles.

When designing our itineraries, we ensure that we provide adequate time to acclimatise, so that the majority of healthy participants can function unhindered and avoid illness.

One of the benefits of booking with Charity Challenge, is the support and training you will receive from our partners at The Altitude Centre – the UK’s leading altitude training specialists.

meet our partners the altitude centre, experts in training for high altitude challenges

About The Altitude Centre

The Altitude Centre specialise in training clients for extreme adventure challenges in person, at home, and online. Whether you are preparing for your first foray into the mountains or planning a record-breaking feat at altitude, they are on hand to discuss the challenge, the preparation required, and how you can maximise your chances of success with altitude training.

Having worked with multiple record-breaking climbers, as well as overseen hundreds of first-time climbers achieving their summit success each year, they can help prepare you for the climb ahead!

A group of trekkers on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in the sunshine with blue skies.

What The Altitude Centre Offers Charity Challenge Participants

Altitude Training & Group Consultations

As part of your Charity Challenge, you can join a free online group consultation (30-45 minutes long) with the experts at the Altitude Centre, to discuss everything to do with preparing for your challenge and hash out a plan of action to take you to the top.

What’s included in the call:

  • Expert advice on altitude and acclimatisation
  • Common altitude challenges and how to overcome them
  • Understanding high-altitude environments
  • Tips on training, gear, and preparation
  • A chance to ask any specific questions you have around high-altitude travel

To book onto a free online group consultation please go to the High Altitude section of your Participant Account Area.

A specialist from the altitude centre running through a training session in the gym, on a treadmill

Discounted Training Plans

The Altitude Centre are also delighted to offer all Charity Challenge participants 50% off all relevant training plans. These have been custom-built for specific challenges by the experts at the Altitude Centre, such as…

• Kilimanjaro

• Everest Base Camp

• Mt Toubkal

• 5000m+ Trekking Plan

• 8-Week Alpine Preparation Plans

More information on the discounted training plans can be found in the High Altitude section of your Participant Account Area.

High altitude challenges are not to be taken lightly and require thorough training and preparation. But when you sign up with Charity Challenge, you’ll have access to a wide range of partner benefits and expert support – giving you the best chance to reach your goals and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

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Latest News, Tips & Advice

WHERE TO START: CAMPING

August 21, 2025

Many of our overseas and multi-day UK challenges include camping, and even some of our exclusive one-day events may feature a night under the stars. If you’re new to camping, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the basics. This guide will walk you through how to prepare and our top tips for keeping comfortable, warm, and ready for adventure.

For multi-day challenges, we’ll usually provide the tents for you – but if your challenge requires you to supply a tent yourself, our partners at Outdoorhire or Cotswold Outdoor are great companies to get some advice, rent or buy quality camping kit from. Just remember: space matters! A one-person tent feel be very small, especially on rainy days when you’ll need room for your bag and to get changed inside. Learn more about our Clothing and Equipment Participant Discounts here.

where to start camping. two tents pitched on grass, overlooking hills and a sunset

What to Pack: Camping Checklist

Remember, which kit is and isn’t provided on your particular challenge will be made clear to you on your trip documents, found within your Participant Account Area (check your Kit List, Trip Notes and Final Details). With this is mind, here’s our camping packing checklist, covering the bare essentials, and optional extras…

Essentials:

  • Sleeping bag and sleeping mat – check the recommended temperature rating for these on your kit list.
  • Headtorch – needed to navigate the dark evenings and early morning starts whilst getting ready in your tent! Always bring spare batteries as the cold can drain batteries overnight.
  • Dry bags / Packing cubes – super useful for organising your kit, as well as keeping wet and dry kit separate (plastic bags work too!)
  • Warm clothing layers – it’s important to consider that the temperature can often drop overnight during challenges. Lightweight thermal layers are ideal e.g. a pair of thermal sleeping socks, gloves, beanie and a neck buff (we provide Charity Challenge buffs on all our challenges!). Keeping your extremities warm is important, as your hands, feet and head lose heat the fastest.

Team Tips: We highly recommend physically going into an outdoor store such Cotswold Outdoor to get a sleeping bag and sleeping mat fitted. Sleeping bags come in a variety of sizes (men, women and kids) and a variety of shapes (rectangular, semi rectangular, mummy, and double-wide). If you like to move around in your sleep, a mummy shaped sleeping bag might not be the option for you! Once you have decided on your sleeping bag, make sure you match your sleeping mat with the same size and shape to ensure you do not roll off during the night! – Jenn Payne, Charity Challenge Leader

woman stood at the doorway of her tent with a backpack

Optional Extras:

  • Sleeping bag liner – not an essential, but helps keep your sleeping bag clean and can add an extra lightweight layer of warmth. Get this in the same size and shape as your sleeping bag for extra comfort.
  • Earplugs & eye mask – block out the noise and light to help you get a restful, uninterrupted night’s sleep. It starts to get bright early when you are camping outdoors!
  • Camping pillow – a lightweight blow up pillow, compactable one or even a makeshift pillow made from some dry clothing will support your neck whilst sleeping.

Team Tips: Foil mat – these provide extra insulation from cold or damp ground when placed underneath your sleeping mat – and they really do make a difference! If your sleeping mat isn’t very well insulated, these are a cheaper and compact way to stay warm. – Laura O’Connor, Marketing Assistant

two people smiling inside their tent, keeping warm with a hot drink

Tips for a Warm, Dry and Restful Camp

Now that you’ve got the essential kit sorted, it’s time to think about how to make camping life run as smooth as possible. A few small habits can save you time and energy – from staying organised for the morning to keeping your gear dry and ready to use…

  • Campsite Routines – after a long day trekking, the last thing you need is to waste precious energy and sleep time faffing! Plan your evenings and mornings to run efficiently. For example, change out of your wet kit first and hang to dry (if possible) and keep a dry bag out for the morning. Before dinner, recharge your electronics, refill your water and lay out your thermal sleeping layers, so they’re ready for use. These small habits can make a big challenge feel more manageable.
  • Organise your Kit – make use of packing cubes, dry bags and your backpacks pockets to keep your kit organised. Think about how often you’ll need certain items and what you’ll need easy access to the following morning. If you get caught in bad weather, having dry bags will help keep your dry and wet clothes separate.
  • Prevent Electronics Draining – did you know, cold temperatures can cause battery powered items to drain faster? Keeping your phone, camera or power-bank close to your body heat (even in your sleeping bag) can prevent their power from draining!

Team Tips:  DIY Hot Water Bottles – some water bottles are made to hold hot water safely as well as cold, so if hot water is available, you can fill up your bottle to help keep you warm at camp (always ensure you use your kit as only as intended). If you do not have access to hot water, hand warmers work just as well. I never camp without them! – Jenn Payne, Charity Challenge Leader

a campsite of pitched tents, showing a woman sat looking out of her tent enjoying a hot drink as the sun sets

Embrace the Spirit of Camping

Embracing the spirit of camping is all part of the challenge! It’s a chance to step away from screens, slow down and truly be present in your surroundings. Sharing tents, routines and stories builds a real sense of teamwork – and a night spent in a campsite offers a rare opportunity to unwind and connect with both nature and your fellow trekkers.

With these handy tips on where to start with camping, we hope you’re now eager to dive into the adventure of Charity Challenges!

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Challenges, Latest News

LAUNCH OF 2026 UK CHALLENGES

July 31, 2025

Over the past year, thanks to our incredible community of challenge participants, we’ve raised over £1.5 million together for a wide range of fantastic causes.

While we’ve been out delivering unforgettable experiences across the UK, our team has also been busy planning what’s next. And now, we’re thrilled to launch our UK Challenge dates for 2026, including four brand new urban adventures to add to your bucket list!

Take a look at what’s coming up, we’d love to see you at the start line next year…

New UK Urban Challenges for 2026

Grand union canal in Birmingham at sunrise with barges and apartment buildings

Birmingham Canal to Castle Trek

Challenge yourself to this scenic marathon distance (42km) trek as you follow the Grand Union Canal from Birmingham Cathedral to Warwick Castle. 

1 day | UK | Challenging

Leith hill tower in the Surrey Hills on a clear day with blue skies

Surrey Three Peaks Challenge

Discover three of Surrey’s iconic peaks as you trek 35km through tranquil woodland, charming villages, and rolling countryside.

1 day | UK | Challenging

Historic Bristol bridge on a sunny clear day with blue skies

Bristol Gorge, Bridge and Castle Trek

This unique marathon distance (42km) circular route showcases Bristol’s rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse cultural heritage.

1 day | UK | Challenging

Historic canal going through Manchester city on a clear day

Manchester Canals Trek

Take on an epic marathon distance (42km) journey through Manchester, following historic canals, vibrant waterfronts, and iconic landmark.

1 day | UK | Challenging

Top 5 UK Challenges for 2026

A group of trekkers on the summit of Mt Snowdon, Wales on a clear day

National Three Peaks Challenge

Considered one of Britain’s toughest outdoor challenges, the National 3 Peaks Challenge takes in the heights of Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) (1,085m) – all within 24 hours!

3 days | UK | Tough

A group of trekkers on the summit of Mt Snowdon, Wales at sunrise

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) At Night

This spectacular challenge will see you and fellow fundraisers trekking to the top of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at night! Challenge your senses and take on the highest mountain in Wales (1085m) under the starry night sky.

2 days | UK | Tough

A walker with walking poles on the Sevens Sister, South Downs Way on a clear day with blue skies

South Downs Challenge

Challenge yourself on this incredible 42km marathon distance trek along some of the UK’s most famous coastal scenery, including the stunning Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, before finishing in Eastbourne.

1 day | UK | Tough

A group of kayakers with oars in the air on Coniston water in the Lake District

Lake District Triple Challenge

Set in the stunning Lake District National Park – trek to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, test yourself on the off-road mountain bike trails of Grizedale forest and finish with a kayak across the iconic Coniston Water.

2 days | UK | Challenge

A clear day on the Thames Path with historic London bridge

Thames Footpath Challenge

An epic 42km journey through London, following the Thames Path from Hampton Court and trekking a marathon distance to Millennium Bridge. Pass by historic parkland, beautiful bridges and famous London landmarks!

1 day | UK | Tough

And that’s not all! We have plenty more UK challenges available to join in 2026 – including: Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis at Night, Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge, The Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Triple Challenge and the Hadrian’s Wall Trail Challenge.

Here’s to another year of challenging yourself, adventure and making a real difference. See you in 2026…

VIEW ALL 2026 UK CHALLENGES
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Case Studies, Latest News

OUR CLIENTS – THE ALBION FOUNDATION

July 31, 2025

Over the last 26 years, we have helped raise over £91,000,000 for thousands of incredible causes. Our charity clients include: The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, CoppaFeel!, the British Heart Foundation, Mind, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Sands, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Prostate Cancer Research, the NSPCC, Comic Relief, UNICEF, Save the Children and hundreds of smaller organisations. We are hugely experienced at operating challenges to the highest standards of quality and safety and will do all we can to help your organisation recruit and engage participants and supporters. 

We caught up with The Albion Foundation on how their recent Trek to Petra challenge went…

Trek to Petra challengers from the albion foundation smiling in a group photo in front of the treasury in petra, jordan. They are holding a charity challenge and an west Bromwich albion flag.

Please introduce yourself…

I’m Jonathan Ward, Deputy Director at The Albion Foundation and 17 of our supporters took on the Trek to Petra Challenge in March 2025, raising over £75,000 to support our cause. 

jonathan ward, the albion foundation deputy director on the trek to petra challenge

Why did you choose Charity Challenge?

We have worked with Charity Challenge for a long time now. So far, we have done the Great Wall Discovery Trek, Trek to Machu Picchu and Trek to Petra. From day one, Charity Challenge have been phenomenal. I genuinely feel like they are invested in the charity aspect of it. It’s not your usual travel company; they understand that the core of a challenge is to do good in the community.

From Simon to the entire team, everyone sees this as the most important thing, meaning that the good of the charity is always at the center of any decision-making. I simply trust Charity Challenge; there’s a lot of work and due diligence that takes place to make these trips possible, and we’ve witnessed this in action. The rapport Charity Challenge has with the ground staff overseas and what’s been provided on the previous challenges we’ve done puts me at so much ease – they just make it so simple for us. 

Trke to petra challengers trekking in the jordan desert

What were you hoping to achieve?

This is our third challenge – and you can worry that the novelty may wear off… but what’s fantastic about the plethora of challenges Charity Challenge offers is that there’s something for everyone. As a foundation, we were aiming to raise £50,000, which we’ve surpassed considerably, reaching £75,000. The main aim of our challenges are to raise an amount of money that’s able to make a real difference back home. But they also provide the people who take part in these challenges a chance to not only do good, but to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, doing something they’d never usually get a chance to.

It’s about creating a team and a sense of one-ness. The way the challenges are set up means this happens quite easily. So, it’s a mixture of generating funds and giving people an unbelievable opportunity to do something good whilst also making lasting memories. 

The albion foundation supporters smiling whilst on their charity challenge trek to petra

How did it go?

A whole array of the West Bromwich Albion community took part. The chair of our trustees, James Verrier, took part and we also had a lot of repeat participants on this challenge from our previous one. We also had foundation partners and people from the team’s supporter groups, like Proud Baggies and Warwickshire Baggies. 

The Albion Foundation Supporters on the Trek to Petra Charity Challenge with their West Bromwich Albion Flag

What were your highlights?

Firstly, this was the most cohesive team we’ve had, everyone became like family. My highlight was witnessing this small group of men, who were all from different walks of life and would never usually come together. By the second day, they had become friends and one evening, were just standing together talking about the stars. Listening to that conversation was a real proud moment. Everyone in the group was talking and helping each other out. This Charity Challenge brought these people together to share these lasting memories.

Each day was immersive – from the food and the culture, to the way of life that the local guides showed us, they made it so amazing for us and enabled us to embrace it. 

Approaching Petra was another major highlight. When you arrive, you start at the back and see the Treasury first, which is incredible. But that’s not it! You’re there for six hours walking through, and it got better and better. I didn’t expect it to be like a miniature town; it was just phenomenal. There was a theatre, houses, markets and alleys. The whole thing was breathtaking and that day was especially incredible.  

The albion foundation Trek to Petra challengers at celebrating at petra in jordan

What did Charity Challenge do well?

Whilst organising the challenge, we had to rearrange dates for reasons out of our control, but everything was done in the right way, thoughtful yet calm. Charity Challenge’s perspective was whatever had to be done, was done and to a standard where I never had to question it. The integrity of the organisation is clear; there’s no blurred lines. Which, for charities, to be able to put your trust in that is phenomenal to have. The flexibility is great too with logistics and setting the challenge up. The effort, time and communication with the local ground team overseas team is evident to see – it’s like a well-oiled machine that just works.

For example, on previous challenges, we had a delayed flight, but there was no issue, everything was sorted by Charity Challenge. These things can happen, yet when a problem arose, it was solved immediately. The professionalism of the organisation is something I can’t question! 

Trek to Petra in aid of The Albion Foundation participants posing for a group photo in front of the Petra Treasury

Testimonial

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Charity Challenge are not your usual travel company; they are genuinely invested in the charity aspect of it – they understand that the core of a challenge is to do good in the community and bring people together.

Jonathan Ward, Deputy Director at The Albion Foundation

Read more about our customers have to say on the Google Reviews link below: 

Watch our Trek to Petra video below…

Learn more about our corporate challenges here, download our corporate brochure.

If you’re interested in engaging your employees with a challenge event – book your free initial consultation now! 

During our consultation, we will discuss your business needs, goals and values, provide you with options aligned to your objectives, and then of course, answer any questions that you might have. We’ll also discuss what support we offer and how we will work together throughout your challenge journey. 

You can expect this call to last about 30 minutes. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

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