Challenges

Trekking the old Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Charity Challenge

February 14, 2019

Photographer and blogger extraordinaire, Philipp Ammon, recently completed the Trek to Machu Picchu challenge. He joined the first Charity Challenge expedition to trek the Ancascocha Trail. Read on to find out about this off-the-beaten-track hike through the incredible Andes mountains, on parts of the original Inca trail.   

Imagination is a funny thing – It can take us to the highest heights and wildest places; but if we really put our minds to it, we are also exceptionally creative at forming reasons why we can’t or shouldn’t live our dreams. The excuses become boundless.

Trekking Ancascocha trail to Machu Picchu Peru for Charity Challenge

You certainly don’t have to twist my arm to get me on an adventure trek. Add a far-away destination into the mix and I’ll practically be rearing to go. I love the feel of the trail under my feet; the humbling size of mountains all around; the wonder of zipping open my tent door to crisp morning air and another day of adventure. We all have our demons, however, and for me one of those is planning trips… Let’s just say that logistics aren’t my strong hand, and often, the daunting prospect of organisation can put my dreams on hold indefinitely. Coordinating an adventure trek on another continent, away from it all takes a lot of time and energy. Along with trying to run a photography business, those are ingredients that seem to be all too scarce these days. Continue Reading…

Inspiration

Lorraine takes on RSPCA Everest challenge

February 4, 2019

After four years of fundraising for the RSPCA, the RSPCA Everest Challenge will be Lorraine’s biggest challenge yet.

Twelve years ago, when Lorraine Carey was suffering from a second prolapsed disc and had to undergo painful spinal surgery, the idea of trekking to Everest Base Camp would have seemed impossible.

The 47-year-old first suffered from a slipped disc 20 years ago and underwent spinal surgery. Then, 12 years ago she suffered from a second, severe prolapsed disc which left her bed bound and in agonising pain for six months. When she finally recovered, after two spinal surgeries, she had a renewed zest for life. Lorraine decided to spend a year taking on various physical challenges and fundraising for the RSPCA. Lorraine RSPCA Everest Base Camp challenge trek

Lorraine said: “At that point, I just wanted my life back. After I recovered and regained my confidence, I wanted to grab every opportunity and make the most out of life.”

One year turned into five, and after a series of runs and walks, a skydive, a 5k open water swim, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Lake District 10 Peaks, the Welsh 12 Peaks, Tough Mudder, half and full marathons and trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Lorraine has now pledged to take on her final and most challenging trek to date; the RSPCA Everest Challenge. Continue Reading…

Inspiration

Meet the team – Sarah Fairhead

January 18, 2019

Sarah Fairhead joined the Charity Challenge team in early 2018 as a Charity and Corporate Account Manager. She plays a vital role in the team, looking after all the wonderful charities and corporates that Charity Challenge is honoured to partner with. Her day to day involves working with key clients to ensure the smooth delivery of their events. We borrowed five minutes of Sarah’s time to find out what she’s enjoyed from her time at Charity Challenge so far.

Sarah Fairhead, Charity Challenge Charity and Corporate Account Manager, at Machu Picchu in Peru

Name: Sarah Fairhead

Location: London, UK

How long have you been working at Charity Challenge?
9 months and loving it! Continue Reading…

Inspiration

The Best of 2018 – from the Charity Challenge Leaders

December 14, 2018

Leaders are the heart and soul of any Charity Challenge event. They laugh with you, cry with you, push you to achieve things you never thought you could, and celebrate with you. It takes a very special person to be a leader on a Charity Challenge event.

Looking back on 2018, these are the moments that hold a special place in the hearts of the Charity Challenge leaders. Read on to find out from your favourite leader what made 2018 awesome.

Ian – Trek Transylvania

Trek Transylvania with Charity Challenge

Over the last 12 months or so I have developed something of a specialism for the Transylvania Trek – which is a great short itinerary challenge. In July 2018 I was delighted to be a leader on the Coppafeel “Trek Transylvania Challenge”. I helped almost 60 challengers reach the summit of one of Romania’s highest peaks at 2200m – Batrana (The Old Lady). This trip offers spectacular views, picture-postcard alpine villages, acres of colourful meadows, friendly locals and rugged mountains, along the possibility of spotting brown bears, lynx, wild boars and wolves! Throw in a visit to Dracula’s Castle in Bran too and you have a very special challenge indeed – I love it! Continue Reading…

Challenges

5 reasons why trekking the Sahara Desert is an incredible experience

October 9, 2018

Why trek the Sahara Desert?

Is it to conquer the world’s largest hot desert? To try delicious Moroccan cuisine? Or to spend your nights under Africa’s star strewn skies?

Sahara Desert Group trek

Charity Challenge’s Adventure Travel Consultant, Alex, recently completed the Sahara Desert Trek. Here are the top reasons why she found it an unforgettable experience:

You really experience getting ‘off the grid’ – The Sahara Desert Trek is a real chance to escape everyday life and fully immerse yourself in the challenge. There is no Wi-Fi from the moment you leave the hotel and signal can be patchy as well. At some points you really feel like you are the only ones in the desert. This may sound horrifying to many of us, but Alex and her fellow trekkers said it was definitely one of the highlights of the trip! Continue Reading…

Challenges

Top UK Challenges for 2019

August 1, 2018

Doing anything next summer? How about trying some of the best UK Challenges like an adventure challenge through the Lake District? What about cycling from coast to coast? Tacking England’s most demanding peaks? Hiking Mt. Snowdon at night?

More than ever, many of us are embracing tough challenges. Perhaps we’re sick of gyms, or the lure of switching off in nature is too much in these hyper connected days? Either way, there’s a number of exciting UK challenges designed to push physical and mental limits in some of the UK’s most incredible national parks. Whatever your cause, here’s the UK’s best challenges for you to embrace next summer. Continue Reading…