Challenges

Why join a Fabulous Challenge?

March 10, 2020

Since its inception in 2014, Fabulous challenges have taken 327 inspirational trekkers to 6 iconic destinations, hiking over 270 miles to raise £1.2 million for charity. This year they are off to Petra, Jordan.

So, why should you join Team Fabulous in 2020?

The Destination

From the 27th September – 4th October 2020, Team Fabulous are heading to the ancient, hidden ‘red-rose’ city of Petra, a UNESCO world heritage site. Named one of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Some of you may recognise the iconic lost city from Indiana Jones and the last crusade! On this 8-day challenge you will trek along a breath-taking section of the Jordan Trail, experience floating in crystal clear waters of the iconic Dead Sea, explore the culture of Amman and enjoy the views of the promised land from Mount Nebo.

The Charity

This year, Fabulous Challenges have teamed with Jo’s Trust, the UK’s leading Cervical Cancer charity.  Nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day and 220,000 are diagnosed with cell changes, often needing treatment.  Jo’s Trust want to see cervical cancer become a disease of the past and are working hard to get to that day through campaigns and education programmes.

With the number of women attending smear tests at an all-time low, we are looking to raise the profile of this hugely important charity, and we need the help of all you wonderful trekkers!

Celebrity Captains

Fabulous Challenges have historically been joined by a whole host of famous faces, including Vicky Pattison, Frankie Bridge, Olivia & Alex Bowen, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, Chloe Madeley and Mario Falcone (to name a few!)

By joining us on this challenge, you will trek alongside two celebrity team captains, to be announced at the group information session… watch this space!

Your Team

From the first information session, training days, all the way through to your challenge and beyond, the bond you create with your team will last a lifetime!

How to sign up

Register your interest here to join the Fabulous’ Challenge Trek to Petra to help raise life-saving funds for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust!

Inspiration

Lets celebrate Inspirational women this International Woman’s Day

March 6, 2020

Many female explorers, adventurers and pioneers have been forgotten in history, so to celebrate International Women’s Day, we’ve highlighted some inspirational women who have led explorations from Victorian times to today.

International Woman's Day - Kerry Banks

Kerry Banks

Charity Challenger Kerry is not only a tireless adventurer, having taken on some of the toughest Charity Challenges such as Trek Machu Picchu and Sahara Desert Trek, she’s a tireless campaigner and fundraiser. To date she has raised £214,500 in memory of her friend Julie and is an ambassador for Breast Cancer Now. As if that wasn’t enough, in 2020 she has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. We can not wait to see her again on our Dalai Lama Himalayan trek later this year.

Isabella Bird

“I have found a dream of beauty at which one might look all one’s life and sigh.” – Isabella Bird Pre-empting the rebellion of the Suffragettes movement in the early 20th century, Isabella Bird overcame the limitations of her gender to become the first woman to be elected a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. An explorer, writer, photographer and naturalist, she began her travels relatively late, at 41, visiting America, Morocco, India, Kurdistan, the Persian Gulf, Iran, Tibet, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and China.

Penny Knight

Never happier than up a mountain, usually declaring to those around her that “life could be worse,” Penny has been lucky enough to fulfill her ambitions and dreams many times over.  Following a career in the Army, she settled down long enough to raise two wonderful children and see them independent and successful before the life of adventure beckoned and she retrained as an Outdoor Instructor. Since then then the Charity Challenge team have been have been lucky to have Penny lead cycling, running, trekking and even horse trekking challenges in many parts of the World, including Iceland, Sumatra, Mongolia, China, Cuba and Madagascar, and she has even written a book about her expeditions! – A Knight Fulfilled.

Bessie Coleman

Incredibly for the time, Bessie Coleman strove against gender and race discrimination to become the first black woman pilot in the world. She flew all over the US, performing aerial tricks and lecturing to raise funds for an African-American flying school until sadly she died during an air show rehearsal at the age of 34.

International Woman's Day - Kris Hallenga

Kris Hallenga

Another contemporary globe trotter with a cause close to her heart is Kris Hallenga, co-founder of the charity Coppafeel! After being diagnosed with incurable breast cancer in her early 20s, Kris has fought against adversity to campaign for more awareness and education around breast cancer. Coppafeel has completed an impressive seven challenges with Charity Challenge, and is embarking on the eighth this year, on the Sahara Desert Trek.

Freya Stark

Even now the Middle East can be a difficult area to explore as a woman. Freya Stark didn’t let gender barriers hold her back, travelling to remote areas of Turkey in the early 20th century-often on foot or by camel living in Baghdad, and mapping uncharted areas of the Islamic world. She authored more than 24 travel books covering local history, culture and tales of everyday life.

International Woman's Day - Laura Harris

Laura Harris

“You’re doing something amazing, savour it!”- Laura Harris
Charity Challenge Leader Laura Harris has led many awe-inspiring treks across the world, including the Great Wall of China. She believes in embracing the challenge in front of you and that having a team around you is the key to success – whether that’s through sharing support, snacks, or stories.

International Woman's Day - Poppy Jaman OBE

Poppy Jaman OBE

Let’s not forget that this International Women’s Day, there are female adventurers trekking across mountains, fields and roads less travelled right now – many of them in the name of charity. Poppy Jaman OBE is one of these intrepid women, currently on our Andean Volcano Charity Challenge acting as a mental health ambassador, supporting a group of HSBC trekkers as they raise awareness and money for mental health charities. As well as trekking across volcanoes, Poppy is an internationally respected mental health advocate, national policy advisor and global voice of authority on workplace mental health. Her vision is to create mentally healthy workplaces globally.

Could you follow in the footsteps of these female trailblazers? Embark on a tough charity challenge like our Amazon Survivor Challenge, Trek to Petra or Sahara Desert Trek.

Latest News

Join the Team

February 14, 2020

Our highly driven, ambitious and dynamic Sales & Marketing team is growing!

Would you like to join a multi-award winning company that works exclusively for the charity sector, raising millions of pounds for worthwhile causes?

We operate treks, bike rides, mountain climbs, and other adventure travel itineraries, while our clients raise money for the charity closest to their heart. To date, our participants have raised over £59m for 1800+ charities.

Work for us - Charity Challenge

New Business Development Manager

We’re looking for an experienced, passionate, and commercially minded New Business Development Manager to join our Sales & Marketing team.

The New Business Development Manager’s role is to build Charity Challenge’s market position and maximise business growth by prospecting, developing, defining, negotiating, and closing new business relationships. You will be responsible for driving sales to meet set targets with the acquisition of new and sustainable business. You will work closely with the Director, Marketing Manager and Account Managers to increase sales opportunities and thereby maximise revenue for Charity Challenge. To achieve this, you need to identify new customers in the charity & corporate sectors (with a focus on the corporate side) and other potential new markets, customise suitable product/s, present to them, convert them into clients, and continue to grow business this business.

For more information, please see the see the job description

Bookings Administrator

We’re looking for a passionate, personable and highly organised Bookings Administrator to join our Sales & Marketing team.

This is your opportunity to shine as a Bookings Administrator for a leading tour operator and event management company who specialise in tailored national and international challenges in the charity and corporate sectors. We are looking for a passionate individual to join the Bookings Team and to help take this exciting part of the business forward whilst providing exceptional customer service. You will need to have the ability to inspire, motivate and engage with both new and existing participants to take part in incredible adventures around the globe. You will have excellent administration and organisational skills, an enthusiastic and results-driven focus, great attention to detail & accuracy and the ability to manage a varied workload.

For more information, please see the see the job description

To apply please send your CV and cover letter detailing why you would be suitable for the role to jenn@charitychallenge.com

Challenges, Tips & Advice

Top 10 tips for trekking in the Himalayas

February 11, 2020

Our wonderful Charity and Corporate Account Manager Sarah had the pleasure of joining a Charity Challenge team last October on the Dalai Lama Himalayan trek. From the madness of Delhi, to the beauty and tranquility of the Indian Himalaya, this unique 12 day expedition is the perfect introduction to India. The challenge follows the Uhl River, through the heart of the world’s highest mountain range in Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan community are located. The region remains largely unvisited, which makes it a pristine and unspoilt area to explore via foot. 

These are Sarah’s top 10 tips on how the make the most out of your Dalai Lama Himalayan trek.

1 – Train

It may sound obvious, but this really will be the difference between enjoying and enduring your trek.  You’ll need to sustain around 6-8 hours of trekking for 5 continuous days, so get outdoors and spend some time hill walking.  When you’re not outdoors, any exercise is good training.  Try swimming, yoga, gym classes, walking to work or simply taking the stairs! Our Charity Challenge training weekends are a fantastic opportunity to meet people in the Great Outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead.

2 – Wear in your boots

No one wants to spend 5 days trekking with blisters, so make sure these are well worn in before departure!  Coupled with a good quality pair of walking socks, your feet will really feel the benefit. For some helpful advice on looking after your feet read more here from our friends at Outdoor Hire.

3 – Be culturally prepared

In the Himalayas you’ll meet three of the world’s greatest religions, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. The mountains are a conservative place, so make sure to cover up (no crop tops or hot pants) as trekking here is as much about the culture as it is the scenery.

4 – Learn to say Hello

You’ll meet a lot of friendly locals who will all want to say ‘Namaste’ and wish you well on your trek. Namaste (nah-mah-stay) is the equivalent of hello, but with an element of respect. In Hinduism, it means “I bow to the divine in you”

Simon Albert meeting Dalai Lama

5 – Sippy Sippy!

The climate can be hot and humid, and your body will be working hard so hydrate often.  You’ll need to carry and drink around 3ltrs of water a day.  Invest in a reusable water bottle and reduce your plastic waste while exploring the majestic Himalayan mountains. A small bottle of squash to add can make the 9th litre seem a bit more exciting!

6 – Hygiene

You don’t want to pick up a stomach bug while only having access to natures toilet, so wash your hands where you can and take hand sanitiser to use as often as required.

7 – Layer up

Weather in the Himalayas can be very changeable, from hot and humid to rain and hail, so a long-sleeved layer and waterproofs in your day pack will keep you comfortable at all times.  It also gets pretty cold at night so a thermal layer, hat and gloves should be packed for the evenings.

8 – Be mentally prepared

The days will be long and tough so it’s important to remember why you are there.  Talk to your team mates, encourage each other and share your individual stories.  Why are you supporting your chosen charity?  Talking can really help focus your mind when the tiredness kicks in.

9 – Poles

Poles will be a big support with both the steep ascents and descents and can reduce the pressure on your knees by up to 30%.  If you haven’t used these before, practice walking with them beforehand. Read more on how to become a pole master.

10 – Enjoy yourself

You’ve spent months training and fundraising, so take your time enjoying the lush green landscapes, local culture and a night sky full of stars.

Eager to start your own journey of exploration in the Himalayas? Join us on one of our upcoming Dalai Lama Himalayan Treks. We can guarantee you wont be disappointed!

https://www.charitychallenge.com/challenge/13/Dalai-Lama-Himalayan-Trek-

Tips & Advice

The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors on Your Mental Health

February 6, 2020

Our wonderful Charity Challenge leader Ian shares his thoughts on some of the benefits of spending time outdoors on your mental health.

Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors on Your Mental Health

The benefits of what I once saw referred to as “Vitamin N” (ie nature!) are many-fold. A huge amount of research has been undertaken on the subject confirming the real benefits of time spent outside on mental health – here’s just a few of these proven benefits from a little recent reading:

Reduce levels of stress

Making time to immerse yourself in nature even for a few minutes can reduce levels of stress by reducing the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosting endorphin and dopamine levels – the main chemicals that make us happy!

Increase energy levels

Time spent outdoors has been shown to have restorative properties – increasing energy levels and sharpening mental agility and focus. It doesn’t even need to be high-adrenaline extreme activity – just find a view and stay awhile to enjoy it.

Improve creative thinking

Taking some personal time out in nature can improve creative thinking and restore your capacity for concentration – if you have writers’ block or are struggling with a particular task or project – take a walk outside – it’s amazing how things can fall into place with a change of scenery!

Improve sleep quality

A couple of hours’ gentle walking in woodland or forest can evidently help improve sleep quality. Furthermore, time spent in natural, rather than artificial, light can help reset your body clock, helping you feel more refreshed after sleeping.

Reduce the risk of mental health

Regular use of the outdoors for exercise can reduce the risk of mental health problems significantly.We become nicer people!

The numerous benefits that exposure to nature provides us with also affect the way we treat others – put simply we become nicer people when we embrace nature!  

William Henry Davies (1871-1940) was well aware of this, writing about it very eloquently in his poem “Leisure” – here’s an extract:

“What is this life, if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare

No time to see, when woods we pass, where squirrels hide their nuts in grass

No time to see, in broad daylight, streams full of stars like skies at night

A poor life this, if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare”

So – remember the old adage “What you need is fresh air and exercise” – because it’s absolutely true – and we can all benefit from it – so why not give it a try soon?

For more top tips, and to learn more about all our charity challenges, please visit our website at www.charitychallenge.com, and, to keep up to date on all our challenge news, subscribe to this blog by clicking on the orange RSS button, you can also enter your email address into the adjacent box to subscribe to our mailing list.

Challenges

MIND Hike 2020 – Whitby

January 10, 2020

2020 will be the 6th year of the ‘Mind Hike’ and it promises to be the best event yet! Every year the Mind Hike takes place in a new location, and so earlier this week our UK Operations manager, Andy Baker, was up in Whitby putting the final touches to this years event. Here he explains why this years Mind Hike will be better than ever!

“The Mind Hike is always a special event for Charity Challenge. It has always had a unique feel and there has always been an incredibly supportive environment over the weekend. It’s for this reason that our leaders always look forward to this event more than any other each summer. Over the years the team at Mind have created a great way of grouping people into different ‘teams’, and the aim of the event is to support each team member to complete the challenge. It isn’t about distance, but about supporting each other to complete the 24 hours of walking. It’s a bit of different event, and was designed specifically for Mind as mental health is all about supporting each other.

For 2020 the Mind Hike is heading to Whitby and everyone who takes part this year will be staying in the YHA that is right next to the iconic Whitby Abbey, up on the cliff tops above the town. Anyone who hasn’t been to Whitby before is in for a real treat, with cobbled streets winding around the old harbour and, of course, the famous 199 steps that wind up to the abbey. It’s a classic old historic Yorkshire fishing town, and there is a reason why Dracula arrived in the UK here!

For each Mind Hike we always have 2 different routes, the day route and the night route. This year both routes are fantastic. The day route will take everyone along the cliff tops all the way down to beautiful Robin Hood’s Bay, a classic old fishing village set right at the foot of the cliffs. Everyone will have time to recharge their batteries in the village before the route loops back to Whitby via the old railway line. Having just walked this route, even in blustery January it was a beautiful walk with the coastline stretching away into the distance, so in the summer it should be spectacular.

The night route will then head north of Whitby, before returning along the beach and then up those famous steps to the finish! If ever the celebration breakfast will have been earnt it will be after finishing a 24 hour challenge by climbing 199 steps to a gothic abbey!

The location for this challenge couldn’t be better. The YHA is set right next to the abbey and people will be staying in an old tudor mansion that has been converted into the hostel. It’s a perfect location for what should be a great challenge.”

The Mind Hike takes place twice every year. In 2020 it takes place on 26-28 June and the 11-13 September. To apply please visit https://www.charitychallenge.com/challenge/245/Mind-Hike-UK

Don’t forget, there is 10% off your registration fee before the end of January 2020. Use the code NY20.