Case Studies, Latest News

OUR CLIENTS – BRITISH ASIAN TRUST

May 27, 2025

Over the last 26 years, we have helped raise over £84,000,000 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 British Asian Trust to chat about how their latest Cycle Goa challenge went… 

Our Clients - British Asian Trust (Credit: Paul Bryan)

Please introduce yourself…

I’m Camille Boukhaled, Event Manager at British Asian Trust and in February 2025, 18 of our supporters completed ‘The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour’ in Goa, India. Together, we cycled a total of 250km through the hills of the Western Ghats, jungles and reserves, in tropical and challenging terrains – raising a total of £450,375 for the British Asian Trust.  

British Asian Trust The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour in Goa, with Charity Challenge (Credit: Paul Bryan)

Why did you choose Charity Challenge?

We’ve been working with Charity Challenge on our overseas cycling events since 2016. We keep going back to Charity Challenge because they’re just excellent at everything that they do. We always require bespoke challenge events so a brand-new route, very custom requests in terms of hotel styles and extra activities that help make the offer more exciting for our participants. There is no one else that would do all of that for us – Simon and his team go above and beyond every step of the way, which keeps us coming back. Not to mention, the leaders and crew always know exactly what to do – they’re friendly, trained up and help every step of the way. It’s a great partnership! 

Charity Challenge bespoke charity cycle event (credit: paul bryan)

What were you hoping to achieve?

The British Asian Trust does developmental charity work in South Asia; primarily India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We have done a few previous cycling challenges in the north of India. India is always a powerful destination for our cause as we’re able to visit some of our programmes and talk directly with the people that we work with and help. This year, we decided to do a cycling challenge in the south of India, so Charity Challenge presented us with a few options, and we chose Goa. Our brief was a destination in India that we haven’t been to before, where we could cycle 250km in just four days (we wanted a shorter challenge) – and we also wanted good quality accommodation along the way.

We’re always looking to raise as many funds for the British Asian Trust as we can. Since starting these cycling challenges in 2016, we’ve raised over £3,000,000 – so every year is even more exciting than the last! In 2023 alone, we raised just over £700,000, which was also matched by one of our funders. This year we’re over the £450,000 mark, with loads of great sponsorship – so we have definitely hit our targets. The ride was spearheaded by two long-term supporters of the charity who have been with us since the charity was founded in 2007. We put out the call for cyclists within our network and theirs. It’s nice that we often get some families or couples on a challenge together. We also do some great filming of the cycles challenges, which helps with fundraising and with engaging possible future participants. 

British Asian Trust The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour in Goa, with Charity Challenge (Credit: Paul Bryan)

How did it go?

It went really well and we were pleased to reach out fundraising targets, especially with a slightly smaller than usual group of participants. The ride itself was amazing in Goa, everything was taken care of every step of the way, the team on the ground were friendly and took care of everything that we needed.

British Asian Trust cyclists celebrating at the end of their challenge (credit: paul bryan)

What were your highlights?

Goa was so beautiful, and it was unique to see it from that vantage point. The participants loved the cultural aspect – how they could be cycling with cows running alongside them and meeting locals on the roadside. We built in some visits to our local development projects – and being able to touch base with the work we do really helped with reminding people why they were taking on the challenge and fundraising. This was definitely a unique highlight.

It always feels like the trip of a life time. The bonds that the group form throughout is lovely and the group chat is still going! It’s very moving when you’re taking on a physical challenge, knowing you’re doing it for a good cause, with other passionate people – the energy is just really powerful. 

Cycle challenge in India for charity (credit: paul bryan)

What did Charity Challenge do well?

Pre-challenge: Charity Challenge are fantastic – we know organising a bespoke route is not easy, but they always rise to the challenge for us. They work with our unique requests to the best of their ability. They’re super supportive and willing to be flexible where possible. Part of my job is comparing event services to other suppliers and no one else is willing to create something brand new for you. You can always reach someone and never have to wait long for a response. 

During the challenge: On the ground, the local leaders are brilliant. The team was prepped fully and Simon (Charity Challenge Director) would check in with us on a regular basis to make sure we were attended to. We’re aware that Charity Challenge can have multiple challenges running at the same time, so knowing that we will still receive that direction attention and care is great. The team were also open to making small route tweaks where possible, helping us get the most out of the challenge, whilst keeping everybody safe.

Post-challenge: It’s always great post-challenge we have conversations to keep the relationship going, whilst looking ahead to the next challenge!

case study on corporate and charity exclusive challenges overseas and UK (Credit: paul bryan)

Testimonial

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I’d highly recommend Charity Challenge to any corporate or charity. I don’t think there’s anybody else who do it like Charity Challenge does…you’ll just have to see for yourself! 

Camille Boukhaled, Event Manager at British Asian Trust

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


Watch our new corporate 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!

Believe Achieve Inspire

Challenges, Latest News

ICELANDIC LAVA TREK: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE

May 20, 2025

The Icelandic Lava Trek is truly a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, boasting some of Europe’s most dramatic and varied terrain. We’ve pulled together an essential guide to help you get the best out of your challenge experience, including super-helpful top tips from team Charity Challenge…

Charity challengers trekking Iceland with walking poles

What is the Icelandic Lava Trek?

Host to some of Europe’s most incredible wilderness, this Icelandic itinerary takes in thundering waterfalls, steaming lava fields, plunging fjords and spouting geysers. Graded as ‘Tough’ this demanding challenge tests your abilities as you trek around 60kms over 3 days, through one of the planet’s most volcanic regions.

Highlights include:

  • Weave through vast steaming lava fields and walk against a background of multi-coloured rocks.
  • Camp in some of Europe’s most spectacular and unusual terrain.
  • Bathe aching limbs in the Sky Lagoon at the end of your challenge.
A group of trekkers walking through Iceland

What will I achieve?

This short yet intense challenge has you trek over varied challenging terrain, in an extremely unpredictable climate – testing both your physical and mental endurance.

  • Trekking approximately 60km in total over 3 days, with the longest day covering 24km.
  • Trekking for 7-10 hours a day, whilst battling the erratic weather conditions and varied terrains of Iceland.
  • Taking on steep hill climbs, snowy and muddy surfaces, rough roads, dirt tracks, glacier river crossings and rugged lava fields. 
  • Setting up your own tent each night after a long days walk – and working as a team to keep camp clean and organised.
  • To top it all off, you will be tackling this in aid of a charity of your choice – making each step and summit all the more worth it.
a group of trekkers crossing a bridge in Iceland

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 need-to-know essentials below – including some top tips straight from our experienced team! For further information please visit our Icelandic Lava Trek webpage, which covers all information and details thoroughly.

1. Plan your days

The days can be very long and strenuous, so be prepared and plan ahead – especially for the evenings and mornings. Bring a nice supply of snacks and treats to keep you energised and to keep morale up when you’re flagging at the day’s end. Remember, that at the end of every day, you need to put your own tent up. We recommend that you do it as soon as you get into camp, as you can get very tired once you have a hot drink and some food in your belly!

Top Tips:

  • I put together bags of cashew nuts and raisins before I leave the UK, and a supply of Twix bars – just because I love them! – Simon Albert, Charity Challenge Co-founder and Director
  • After you’ve set your tent up at camp, get your clothes and day bag ready for the next day, including filling up your water bottle or bladders. This gives you a chance to keep your mornings free to pack up your tent, enjoy your breakfast, make your lunch and have a final faff before the day of trekking ahead. – Jenn Payne, Head of Sales and Marketing.
A group of trekkers walking beside steaming lava fields in Iceland

2. Pack for varied terrain

On this amazing challenge, you will trek through a variety of terrains and landscapes – from snow fields, dirt tracks, glacier river crossings, lava fields to steep hills. Consider this when packing – and make sure to consult your Kit List for more detail.

Top Tips:

  • Wear stretchy bottoms that you can roll up above your knees for the river crossings so they don’t get wet. The river crossings can get splashy! – Laura Harris, UK Operations Manager
  • Walking poles can protect your knees on the ascents and descents, support you when you get tired, plus help keep your balance as you walk through river crossings and the snow.  – Jenn Payne, Head of Sales and Marketing
camping in icelandic volcanic region

3. The little details

To make your experience as unforgettable as possible, we have some extra handy insights for you below. These come straight from our Charity Challenge team members who have completed this challenge before – and wish to pass on all the best wisdoms to you!

Top Tips:

  • For a comfortable night’s sleep, remember to kick the stones out from under your tent before you put it up. Then, as soon as your tents are up, collect your hot shower tokens. The campsite receptions generally close by 9pm (sometimes sooner – they work to their own times!) and only a few hardy people like a cold shower. – Laura Harris, UK Operations Manager
  • Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera or phone for photos. Iceland is truly spectacular! – Laura Harris, UK Operations Manager
  • You can also keep your camera/phone in your sleeping bag at night, to help preserve the battery. – Team Charity Challenge
  • And finally… don’t forget to look up! Iceland is one of the most amazing landscapes in the world. You will feel like you have stepped into a geography book. It is an adventure you will never forget… – Jenn Payne, Head of Sales and Marketing
a group of trekkers crossing glacier rivers in iceland

To conclude…start prepping!

If you are now seriously considering taking on the Icelandic Lava Trek, we strongly recommend heading over to our website to read through our full Itinerary, Costs, Kit List and extensive Essential Information tabs. Our blog also hosts a wealth of resources to help prepare you for your fundraising challenge.

You’ll find everything you need to know here in detail, from timings, locations, accommodation, food and drink, difficulty level breakdowns, training advice, group safety, equipment and much, much more (including answers to those all-important ‘what if?’ questions).

steep trek climbs in iceland

Why should I book the Icelandic Lava Trek with Charity Challenge?

Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the best Icelandic Lava Trek itinerary that is geared towards providing everyone with the very best experience and opportunity to complete the challenge safely, whilst taking in some awe-inspiring landscapes.

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 briefed, led and fully supported throughout this challenge by our highly experienced, knowledgeable and motivating Leaders.
  • On your final day, enjoy a well-deserved bathe in the other-worldly geo-thermal pool, Sky Lagoon.
  • Experience the challenge of trekking Iceland’s impressive terrain, whilst taking in the beauty of it’s natural features. Whether you join solo or with friends – the majesty experienced on this itinerary will bond you together as a group!
challengers enjoying the sky lagoon in Iceland

Remember, the Icelandic Lava Trek is a graded as a ‘tough’ trek. With the right preparation, this unique expedition is incredibly rewarding and impressive to complete – making it an excellent choice for a overseas charity challenge!

Believe Achieve Inspire

Challenges, Latest News

STILL TIME TO BOOK A 2025 OVERSEAS CHALLENGE

May 6, 2025

Itching for some adventure this year? Good news – there’s still plenty of time to get some thrilling challenges and bucket list destinations under your belt in 2025! Below is just a select handful of the incredible overseas trekking, cycling and high-altitude challenges we offer.

Are you dreaming of pedaling vibrant streets and watching green hills roll by? Ready to tick off one of the new 7 wonders of the world? Or maybe a bracing a summit hike through blistering cold is calling out to your inner-explorer? Charity Challenge offers a range of challenges that push your physical and mental endurance, puts your training and fundraising efforts to the test – all for a good cause of your choice.

To learn more, click on a challenge below – or head to our Choose Your Challenge webpage for even more empowering travel challenge experiences…


icelandic lava trek

Icelandic Lava Trek

5 days | Iceland | Tough

Trek 58kms over 3-days through one of the planet’s most volcanic regions. This Icelandic itinerary incorporates thundering waterfalls, steaming lava fields, plunging fjords and spouting geysers.


sumatra jungle challenge and spot wild sumatran orangutans

Sumatra Jungle Challenge

Trek 5-days through the mountainous Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the only places in the world where you can still see Sumatran orang-utans in the wild.

10 days | Indonesia| Tough


trek machu picchu for charity challenge

Trek Machu Picchu

10 days | Peru | Tough

The lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sits on the bucket list of many and with good reason; it’s simply breath-taking. Our 5-day trek follows the spectacular and uncrowded Ancascocha trail, surrounded by the snow-capped Andean mountains, raging rivers and remote mountain communities.


climb summit kilimanjaro lemosho route for charity

Kilimanjaro Summit Climb – Lemosho Route

12 days | Tanzania | Extreme

Trek through five incredible, unspoilt eco-systems and conquer the ‘roof of Africa’, summiting at 5,895m. Over 7-days follow the uncrowded Lemosho route to Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, rising four miles into the sky from a bed of clouds.


Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride

11 days | Vietnam | Challenging

Follow the road less cycled from Saigon to Angkor Wat covering 450km across 7-days, from the waterways and rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, finishing at the astonishing Angkor Wat to celebrate a cycle well done.


angkor wat trek for charity

Trek Angkor Wat

9 days | Cambodia | Challenging

Finishing at the Khmer architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat, this 5-day trek will take you into the heart of the stunning Phnom (Mount) Kulen National Park.  


Petra ruins and flag

Trek to Petra

8 days | Jordan | Tough

Discover the best of Jordan in this exhilarating 5-day trek along part of the Jordan Trail. Camp under the stars, Bedouin-style in the desert and delight in the ancient hidden Rose city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.


winter mount toubkal charity challenge

Winter Toubkal Trek

6 days | Morocco | Extreme

The snow-capped peaks of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains provide a striking background to the ascent of Mt Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest peak, standing at 4,165m above sea-level. Challenge your body and mind with this extreme high-altitude trek. 


Still time to book: 2025 overseas adventures

Sahara Desert Trek

8 days | Morocco | Challenging

Rediscover true adventure in the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert. This 5-day trek covers 100km; passing through Morocco’s forbidding landscape punctuated by peaks, gorges, dunes and oases. At night, sleep under Africa’s star strewn skies and enjoy traditional Berber hospitality.


Believe Achieve Inspire

Challenges, Latest News

SNOWDON (YR WYDDFA) AT NIGHT CHALLENGE: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE

April 17, 2025

The Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at Night Challenge is a tough yet thrilling trek ascending to the summit of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). We’ve pulled together an essential guide to give you a taste of what expect and provide the top tips from the experienced Charity Challenge team…

What is the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at Night Challenge?

Beginning in the town of Llanberis, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, this spectacular challenge will see you and fellow fundraisers trekking to the top of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)….at night! You will be fully supported all the way by our experienced Mountain Leaders and then celebrate at the finish line with a well-deserved breakfast.

Highlights include:

  • Take on the highest mountain in Wales (1085m), at night!
  • Trek under the starry skies of Snowdonia to reach the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).
  • Reach the summit as the sun begins to rise over the views of Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdon Summit on the snowdon (yr wyddfa) at night challenge

What will I achieve?

Summiting Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is one of the most popular UK mountain hikes. Boasting lush views of Snowdonia National Park, rocky mountainous terrain and an ascension not to be sniffed at, it’s easy to see why. The Snowdon at Night Challenge pushes this trek one step further. By setting out late at night (to catch sunrise at the top), you tackle the extra obstacle of your headtorch being your only light source. With adequate training and the support of our experienced mountain leaders, this is a special challenge to tick off your list. Upon completion you can be proud of yourself for achieving the following…

  • Trekking for approximately 8 hours continuously.
  • Covering 21km of undulating terrain, with the added challenge of walking through the night!
  • Ascending a total of approximately 975m in a single night.
  • To top it all off, you will be tackling this in aid of a charity of your choice – making each step and summit all the more worth it.
snowdon at night challenge participants trekking by headtorch at night

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 need-to-know essentials below – including some top tips straight from our experienced team! For further information please visit our Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) At Night Challenge webpage, which covers all information and details thoroughly.

1. Plan Your Travel & Allow Rest Time

Your challenge begins in the evening, trekking through the night to the summit and then back down, arriving at the finish for a celebratory breakfast in the morning. So, it’s safe to say you’ll probably be feeling very tired! It’s vital that you consider this when planning your journey home. Factor in some rest time by using public transport, getting a friend/relative to pick you up or by staying another night and enjoying the area of Llanberis (VisitSnowdonia lists lots of accommodation options).

Top Tips:

  • Make a plan to for when you finish so you don’t travel home tired. Book some accommodation, have someone else drive you home, or use public transport so you can show your medal off whilst having a snooze on the train! – Laura Harris, UK Operations Manager
  • As we cannot guarantee a precise finishing time, make sure any public transport tickets you buy are flexible!
snowdon (yr wyddfa) at night challenge for charity

2. Fuel Up For Your Challenge

During this challenge, you’ll be walking for around 8 hours non-stop through the chilly night air and elements, so it’s important you fuel up to keep your energy levels high.

Top Tips:

  • Make sure to have a substantial dinner before you arrive, so you start the challenge fully fuelled! – Laura Harris, UK Operations Manager
  • Bring lots of snacks to keep you going during your trek and have 2 litres of water on you at all times. There is water available at the event venue beforehand, but not on the mountain itself. – Toni Howden, UK Operations Manager
snowdon at night challengers trekking for charity with headtorches and trekking poles

3. Clothing and Equipment

We always advise good quality, broken in walking boots for our trekking challenges. Read our Taking Care of Your Feet On Challenges blog post for detailed advice. As this challenge runs through the night, it’s really important to bring the correct clothing and equipment, including: warm layers, a head torch and trekking poles. (Read our kit list for a full breakdown).

Top Tips:

  • Remember spare batteries for your headtorch – you don’t want to get to the summit and find you can’t see anything – Laura Harris, UK Operations Manager
  • Bring and wear layers, it gets cold up there at night time! – Toni Howden, UK Operations Manager
  • Don’t forgo proper footwear, hiking boots are always best. The Llanberis path may be considered the easiest Snowdon route, but it still has loose rocks and when walking at night, the drop in temperature could cause frosty, slippery surfaces! (Plus you can use your boots on your next Charity Challenge). – Laura O’Connor, Marketing Assistant
  • When you book with Charity Challenge, you can enjoy a range of discounts and member-only benefits from a range of high quality clothing and equipment specialists.

charity challenge summit snowdon at night for sunrise

To conclude… start preparing!

If you are now seriously considering taking on the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at Night Challenge, 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, accommodation, food and drink, difficulty level breakdowns, training advice, group safety, equipment and much, much more (including answers to those all-important ‘what if?’ questions).

snowdon at night (yr wyddfa): an essential guide

Why should I book Snowdon at Night with Charity Challenge?

Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the best Snowdon at Night Challenge itinerary that is geared towards providing everyone with the very best experience and opportunity to complete the challenge safely.

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 on the summit anyway!).

  • You will be briefed, led and fully supported throughout this challenge by our highly experienced, knowledgeable and motivating Leaders.
  • Due to the extra risks posed by trekking at night, we always use a higher ratio of Mountain Leaders to participants on this trek, to maximise safety. You will be accompanied by a Mountain Leader at all times – helping you focus on your challenge!
  • Enjoy a celebration breakfast (included) after descending and reaching the finish line.
  • Snowdon is a popular trek but your Charity Challenge experience is unique and all the more meaningful; you trek alongside like-minded individuals (and passionate Mountain Leaders), giving you the chance to share stories and bond over the causes close to your heart.
snowdon at night celebration breakfast with charity challenge

Remember, the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at Night Challenge is a graded as a ‘tough’ trek. With the right preparation, this unique expedition is incredibly rewarding and impressive to complete – making it an excellent choice for a UK charity fundraising challenge!

Believe Achieve Inspire

Latest News, Tips & Advice

TAKING CARE OF YOUR FEET ON CHALLENGES

April 17, 2025

From the 17th to 23rd of April it’s National Feet Week! Here at Charity Challenge, we know how important it is to keep your feet in good condition for your training and challenge days. On our trekking challenges, you will test your physical endurance by walking for multiple hours non-stop – and naturally, this puts a lot of strain on your feet! From pesky blisters to foot pain – these issues can seriously hinder your trekking experience, both physically and mentally.

The key to best preventing blisters, foot pain and a generally uncomfortable walking experience is proper preparation! Luckily, we’ve got plenty of experience and expert knowledge to share. Keep reading to learn how to take care of your feet before, during and after your Charity Challenge…

Choosing the right hiking boots for tekking challenges

Proper Footwear and Preparation

Preparation is arguably the most vital element of foot care. Leader Tom Armes’s motto is “Remember the Five P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!”

Charity Challenge Leader, Phil Nelson, also knows a thing or two about footwear (he happens to be a former outdoor footwear fitter!). Phil says: “When buying new walking boots or trail shoes, take out the insole and place your foot on it, whilst wearing the type of socks you’d wear with them. Stand up as your body weight will spread your feet out further. Then, check these three things”:

  1. Ensure there is a thumbs width of space at the end of each insole. Your feet expand throughout the day and as you walk downhill, your toes will strike the inside of your shoe. This is the most common, easily avoidable cause of lost toenails! You also don’t want excess space on the sides or front, as your foot will move around too much in your shoe and again, cause blisters.
  2. If your feet overhang the sides of the insole, the shoes are too narrow and may cause pressure pain, blisters and premature wear on your socks and shoes.
  3. Before a trek, check your shoes are still in good condition. Check that the lace hooks, stitching, glue and sole unit are still strong and secure.

Invest in good quality walking socks to pair with your boots. Merino wool socks stays warm when wet and can help keep the odours at bay – we recommend Bridgedale socks.

Another top tip from Tom Armes: “trim your toenails to alleviate pressure on them when walking”. Last but certainly not least – before your challenge, break your walking boots in!

feet taped up with sporttape to prevent blisters

Tape Your Feet Up and Pack Smart

You should now have correctly fitting and broken-in footwear ready to go! But what extra precautions can you take to avoid issues on the day? We suggest packing spare laces and a spare pair of socks in your day pack, in case they get wet or overly sweaty and start to rub. Leader Ray Smith also states, “blisters can happen to the best of us! So I always carry blister plasters on walks”.

Whilst blister plasters are helpful, as Head of UK Events and experienced leader, Andy Killey, advises “for the best blister management, buy yourself a roll of Kinesiology Tape and learn how to tape up your feet to avoid blisters forming”.

How To Use Kinesiology Tape

Using kinesiology tape can help protect you against injury (especially blisters) and support recovery.

For blister prevention, our partners at SPORTTAPE recommend either kinesiology tape or zinc oxide tape (learn the main differences here).

To use:

  • Apply the tape directly onto your skin where blisters would normally form, covering as much skin as needed to prevent friction. Remember that the tape works by acting as a shield between your skin and anything rubbing against it, like socks and shoes.
  • Did you know your shoes’ insoles are the most common cause of blisters? Fold one strip of your chosen blister tape carefully around the inside edge of your insole. This creates a softer and more forgiving surface that your feet will thank you for.
SPORTTAPE to prevent blisters on walking challenges

Enjoy a SPORTTAPE Discount with Charity Challenge

SPORTTAPE are delighted to offer all Charity Challenge participants a 10% discount. T&C’s apply. Once you book onto a challenge, details can be found in your participant account area.

Tape can also be used to help with a whole range of injury prevention and recovery – so it’s an incredibly useful tool to carry with you! Visit the SPORTTAPE website for loads of information, tips and how-to videos!

Stretching your feet, ankles and legs after a challenge

Stretch, Care and Rest

Once your challenge is over, even with all the right prep – your feet will be due some TLC! At the end of your challenge, make sure you cool down and stretch your ankles and foot muscles to help prevent tightness. To sooth inflammation or muscle soreness, soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath for 15-20 minutes. You can also give your feet a gentle massage with your hands or a foam ball to roll out tight areas.

Keep your footwear in good shape by cleaning off any mud post-challenge. If you need to wash your walking shoes, consider getting them reproofed afterwards to increase their lifespan. Remember to be careful when when drying them, as hot radiators can cause glue to melt, increasing the chance of shoe failure on your next trip!

Take care of your feet and the finish line will take care of itself…

Believe Achieve Inspire
Case Studies, Latest News

OUR CLIENTS – JO’S MOUNT TOUBKAL STORY

April 14, 2025

Over the last 25 years, Charity Challenge have worked with hundreds of businesses to provide innovative and dynamic solutions for employee engagement and CSR. Our exclusive corporate challenges help companies develop stronger team bonds, demonstrate corporate responsibility and have amazing experiences, all whilst supporting their charity partnerships. 

In September 2024, Jo Wilson (Charity Partnership Manager of Community Engagement – Group Corporate Affairs at Lloyds Banking Group) took a team of 115 colleague’s from across the UK to trek Morocco’s Mount Toubkal – Africa’s tallest peak, standing at a majestic 4,167m. 98% of the team summited, facing tough terrain, weather and altitude – challenging themselves in aid of fundraising for Crisis UK and Simon Community (NI). Jo and her team wanted to educate their colleagues on the UK’S homelessness crisis and bring them together to raise awareness and funds for Crisis UK – a charity working towards ending homelessness. Together, the team raised an amazing £560,000 (and counting). 

Read on to learn more about how it all went… 

Lloyds Banking Group Team hiking Mount Toubkal together with flag

Why did you choose Charity Challenge?

I am new to my role, and this was my first ‘signature challenge’ to set up. So, I was pleased to be introduced to Simon and the team to help make this challenge a success.

Lloyds Banking Group Team hiking Mount Toubkal

What were you hoping to achieve? 

This year’s signature challenge aimed to engage our UK colleagues. This challenge had places for 120 successful colleagues who applied, to take on a challenge and raise funds.   

Our colleagues’ fundraising target was £4000 each. Including that, I wanted them to become advocates for the charity partnerships, understand why they were raising money – and for them to help spread awareness.

To decide on what signature challenge we would do, our team looked at distance, carbon footprint, the wow-factor of challenge, how many colleagues could we take successfully and the time of year – whilst ensuring our colleagues would have time to train and fundraise. 

The ultimate goal was to fundraise, educate our colleagues and help towards ending homelessness.  

Lloyds Banking Group Team hiking up Mount Toubkal

How did it go?

We took four groups of employees across two dates in September on a five-day trek to Mount Toubkal. 115 colleagues in total took part and 98% of them peaked and got to the top of Toubkal! For so many colleagues, it was a really good number of people to get to the top – especially considering the altitude and the tough terrain.  

The total raised is £560,000 (and counting) for Crisis UK. 

Lloyds Banking Group Team hiking Mount Toubkal at sunset

What were your highlights?

My highlight would be taking 115 strangers (as they were colleagues from all across the UK) and all meeting at airport, seeing them bond so quickly, becoming friends, seeing the support gave each other and the general camaraderie of the group.  

The development of friendships turned into significant bonds – that helped them to achieve their goals. This helped with pushing each other on – when someone was struggling, someone else would always be there support them. Overall, an overwhelming feeling of friendship was made between the group – and amazing memories. They came off the mountain knowing nobody in their outside worlds would understand that experience they had together.  

Also, the last hour of the walk to reach the summit was so emotional and overwhelming. We got to the top and people burst with tears of pride, knowing that they’d spent nine months preparing for this and endured the toil and elation of getting there. I stood back and watched everybody take their group picture and I just cried! 

Lloyds Banking Group Team hiking Mount Toubkal and smiling

The positivity from the participants was outstanding. They felt they had amazing support from team leaders doctors and ground team – they couldn’t praise them enough. Everybody knew it was going to be tough but didn’t realise just how much altitude sickness can knock you sideways – even if you’re the fittest person. So, slowing down, appreciating the support and advice given was something we all learned.  

Afterwards, everybody said they now had an incredible, life changing, once in a lifetime experience – and new lifelong friends.  

Lloyds Banking Group Team hiking Mount Toubkal taking photo at summit

What did Charity Challenge do well?

Pre-Challenge: I can genuinely say, from the first meeting with Charity Challenge I felt their confidence – I felt in safe hands and every detail was covered. With their professionalism and the experts that I talked with, I knew from day one that this would be a successful trip with no doubt.   

The working relationship with the team was great, from Administration to Tilly (Account Management), to Flights and Annie (Operations Manager). The build up to the challenge was excellent; from the knowledge shared, the Participant Account Areas and the hand-holding – reassurance was built up right up till departure time. I and all the trekkers felt in very safe hands with Charity Challenge.  

During the Challenge: On the trek we knew we were in safe hands; from the team leaders, the outstanding doctor support and the outstanding team in Morocco. Every need – to best of their ability – was looked after. They ensured we had a successful, safe trip and that everyone made it to top safely. The local team in Morocco – being surrounded by people from the country – was especially lovely to have.  

Post-Challenge: After the challenge, we gathered feedback from the trekkers and debriefed with Charity Challenge, looking at lessons learnt and any tweaks needed for future reference. I think Simon (Charity Challenge Director) is always looking for perfection!  

Lloyds Banking Group Team hiking Mount Toubkal at summit together


Testimonal

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I can’t praise the working relationship enough. I would work with Charity Challenge again in the future. It’s the most amazing adventure and experience – with memories that last forever. In 2025, I’m working with Charity Challenge on another exciting challenge…

Joanne Wilson, Charity Partnership Manager, Lloyds Banking Group

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


Check out the Mount Toubkal Trek…

To learn more about our corporate challenges click here, download our corporate brochure – or watch our new corporate video.

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!

Believe Achieve Inspire