Challenges

China’s legendary terracotta army still growing!

September 17, 2012

Like so many zombies or Mummies in horror movie flicks, it seems Emperor Qinshihuang’s terracotta army just keeps on coming! As last week Chinese archeologists unearthed more than 100 additional soldiers, bringing total number of clay warriors found at Xi’an mausoleum to more than 8,000.

The Terracotta Army, otherwise known as the “Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses” first came to light when they were discovered on March 29, 1974 by a group of well digging farmers. They are believed to be sculptural depictions of the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of unified China, assembled to ensure his passage and continual protection in the afterlife. Continue Reading…

Inspiration, Latest News

The Over the Hill Club – exclusive challenges for the over 50’s!

September 7, 2012

Charity Challenge is proud to launch ‘The Over The Hill Club’, a collection of challenges set up exclusively for participants who are fifty years or over. This concept is the brain child of Charity Challenge Founder and Director Jeremy Gane, who has been a driving force behind the business over the last 12 years. He also runs African safari specialist tour operator Gane and Marshall.

So in Jeremy’s words, this is how the Over the Hill Club came into being…

“I’m sixty five years old in May next year on Oak Apple Day – and that does not console me. The pension will – a little – I guess.

It has been a decade or so in the gestation this crisis of age. I have battled against it intermittently and intemperately.

What has most cheered and enlightened me are the wonderful wild places, almost eternal when measured against our lives’ span. I’ve found solace in their quiet trails, remote valleys, uninhabited deserts, and snow capped mountains with only the footsteps of my guide and myself in the pristine snow. Continue Reading…

Inspiration

Charity Challenge Champion – Mark Roberts of the Elise for Life campaign

August 20, 2012

One of the many great things about the Olympics is that it brought so many truly extraordinary individuals into the headlines, people who have worked hard their entire lives to achieve their goal. In this climate of ‘Reality TV’ and ‘instant celebrity’ culture, it’s refreshing and makes a nice change to have success stories and inspiring individuals filling up the news.

That got us here at Charity Challenge thinking, and inspired, so we have decided to do a feature on an individual who we believe is outstanding and deserving of a huge amount of credit for his achievements. This person is Mark Roberts, the champion behind the “Elise for Life” campaign in aid of The Christie Charity.

Despite the fact that Mark has taken part in a couple of our challenges, it is not so much his physical achievements we think deserve honouring (although anybody who can take on two of our Charity Challenges back to back deserves kudos!), but for his passion and determination in spearheading the largest challenge events fundraising campaign we have ever undertaken.

In January 2010, Mark’s wife Elise was tragically diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma. After Elise’s diagnosis, she and Mark set up the “Elise for Life” appeal with the aim of raising one million pounds for The Christie. The Christie is the largest cancer centre in Europe, and has been pioneering cancer research breakthroughs for over a century and treating more than 40,000 patients each year. This was a cause obviously close to Mark and Elise’s hearts, and the money that the appeal raised and continues to raise, goes towards funding research into the disease and supporting the clinical trials unit at the hospital.

So when Mark approached us with this mammoth task, we began to work together planning a series of challenge events. The challenges we set up included 4 Great Wall Discovery Challenges in 2011 (which over 100 people fundraised for and took part in), 2 Saigon to Angkor Wat bike rides in 2012 (with a group of over 30), and one Iceland Lava Trek challenge with a dedicated group of 15 fundraisers/trekkers.

 “Mark Roberts is a Champion’s Champion! If every charity could have a Mark Roberts to help recruit participants the world would run out of places to send charity challengers. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Mark, his drive and determination are second to none, but it’s his positivity that’s infectious. I am looking forward to helping him achieve his goal of raising 1 million pounds for The Christie.” Chad Anderson, Charity Challenge Business Development Manager

Elise herself tragically passed away in October 2010, but Mark has continued to work tirelessly to fulfil Elise’s legacy through events and challenges. With lots of helps from friends, relatives and particularly Barclays bank – staff and management – where Elise worked. The Elise for Life campaign is well on its way up.

But the biggest challenge is yet to come. Working with Mark, we are about to embark upon our single largest  series of Charity Challenges, taking 8 separate groups (a total of 240 people) up Mt Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho route.

This specific challenge has a special personal connection for Mark, as Elise herself climbed to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2008 with Charity Challenge to raise money for The Christie.

 “She was the toughest, bravest person I’ve ever met, but even she said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Let’s make her proud and climb this for her, and for all those brave people just like her, who need our help!” Mark Roberts

Here are some thoughts from those involved in the charity and the campaign:

“Everyone at The Christie is humbled by Mark’s commitment, drive and determination to reach the target he and Elise set out to achieve two years ago.  Mark’s passion and enthusiasm has delivered results that have amazed us all and it was a true privilege to wave off our biggest ever group of overseas trekkers to China last year, all united against cancer in support of Elise and The Christie.  The money raised through Elise for Life enables us to continue to develop our work into malignant melanoma research. The generosity of all those supporting Elise for Life will make such a difference to cancer patients for which we are so grateful.  We are constantly inspired by the hard work and efforts Mark, Deb and all of their supporters put into helping support our cause and look forward to witnessing the emotional but fitting celebration for Elise on the top of Kilimanjaro next year.” 

– QUOTE FROM JENNY HASKEY – The CHRISTIE CHARITY – HEAD OF CORPORATE AND SPORTING EVENTS

“I am taking part in the Kilimanjaro summit climb alongside my brother, as Elise was our cousin and my godmother. As a family we have lost 3 very special people over the past 2 years, all of whom were expertly treated at the Christie, so it means the world to us that so many incredible people are helping Elise to reach her £1million target. Elise was a very special and generous person and she is sorely missed by many; she will always be remembered by us for her amazing smile and our family are extremely proud to have known her.

Whilst the support of so many people has been overwhelming, it is the co-ordination of this support that has been the key to success.  Mark has been unfailing, completely committed and has been the driving force to ensure Elise’s wishes are fulfilled; we have no doubt that Mark will reach the £1million target and we very much look forward to seeing him succeed in doing so.

I don’t think we can ever fully comprehend the impact Mark and Elise’s efforts will have on the lives of others with cancer in the future. They are both truly inspirational and I am so proud of both of them for what they have achieved.”

 – QUOTE FROM RACHEL STEELE- GOD DAUGHTER OF ElISE & PARTICPANT IN THE 2013 KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE

‘It is a privilege to have known Elise and to be able to continue the work that she started with The Christie through Mark Roberts.

So many colleagues and friends here at Barclays have been able to participate in ‘events of a lifetime’ whilst at the same time striving to hit the goal of £1M raised for The Christie and it is perhaps quite fitting that the single event that will enable this target to be smashed, is the climb of Kilimanjaro – something that Elise herself conquered’

 – QUOTE FROM ROB HAWTHORN – BARCLAYS CORPORATE : CLIENT SERVICE DIRECTOR

“I have been inspired to support Mark in the quest that he and Elise set up in July 2010 for a number of reasons.

Elise was a friend and colleague of mine and she showed such a fight and determination through her battle with cancer, it feels so important that we see her wishes to help others that find themselves in the same position that she was in, through to the £1M target andbeyond.

Mark is totally committed to fulfilling Elise’s wishes and he shows the same level of determination in his quest to achieve this today as he did 2 years ago. There have been highs and lows through the last 2 years, but throughout it has been really clear that he will get there, no matter what!

I’ve watched Mark deliver talks to people interested in the Overseas Challenge on numerous occasions and he’s so passionate about what the appeal delivers through The Christie, that regardless of the reason for their interest, whether it be experience of cancer or wanting to take part in a once in a lifetime challenge, he gets them bought in.

I’m delighted to have been part of such a remarkable achievement.”

 – QUOTE FROM DEB BATE – BARCLAYS CORPORATE : SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER (who also deserves a special mention as a huge support and an invaluable asset to the “Elise for Life” campaign!)

To learn more about Elise and Mark, and the Elise for Life campaign, please visit the website at www.eliseforlife.org and you can find out more about the amazing cause they are raising money for at the Christie website at www.christie.nhs.uk. If you feel inspired and want to take part in one of these special events, please contact Mark at mark@eliseforlife.org or visit the Elise website.

You can find out more about all the amazing challenges we offer by visiting our website at www.charitychallenge.com.

Inspiration

Olympic Charity Challenges

August 13, 2012

The Olympics came to a close in spectacular fashion the other week, with Britain finishing in a historic third place in the medals table! Team GB have excelled in so many sports this year, and we are really pleased that lots of you out there have been inspired by the Olympics to not only take up a sport, but also to take on a challenge of a lifetime. So we’ve decided to put together an Olympic guide to Charity Challenge’s biggest gold medals treks!

The Cycle Challenges

If the Olympics have taught us anything this year, it’s that the British sure know how to cycle! From Bradley Wiggins’s victory in the Tour de France to eight gold medals in road and track cycling from the likes off Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and Laura Trot and Victoria Pendleton, cycling has swept the board this Olympics! If you are one of the many people to have caught cycling fever, and have been inspired to take on an epic cycling challenge, then you’ll be glad to hear that we have a whole range of cycling challenges all over the world. Check them out below.

Atlas Mountain Bike challenge – a high altitude bike ride through the dramatic Atlas Mountains, comprising of over 200kms of mountain passes

Aztec Volcanoes Bike Ride – Bike more than 365kms up to 4,000m above sea level through tropical jungles and volcanic slopes

Cuban Revolution Cycle – Cover 350kms from Havana to Trinidad in this 10 day challenge

Cycle Machu Picchu to the Amazon – Cycle through rural Andean communities in this gruelling 11 day challenge

Cycle Vietnam – Bike 450kms off the beaten track across Vietnam

Great Wall Cycle Challenge – Cycle over 400kms in the shadow of the Great Wall of China

London to Paris Bike Ride – Cycle 234 miles over one long weekend

Rajasthan Tiger Challenge – Bike 430kms through Rajasthan, Land of the Kings

The Endurance Challenges 

An undoubted highlight of GB’s Olympic campaign has to be Mo Farrah and his double gold medals on the respective Super Saturdays! Historically, these sports are dominated by Ethiopian or Kenyan athletes and don’t get a huge amount of coverage in this country. So we were so happy to see Mo do such an amazing job and put the limelight on endurance sports. Finding the strength to keep going through that last extra mile, as Mo so amazing did, is a huge part of all our challenges. The feeling of conquering not only the terrain, but also your own inhibitions, and overcoming what seemed impossible is what our challenges are all about and what has made them so life-changing to so many of our participants.

There’s an element of endurance on all our treks, but the below are our real heavyweight endurance challenges.

Avenue of Volcanoes – Trek at high altitude in the Ecuadorian Andes and Climb Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, using the Crampons & ropes for the final gruelling glacier summit

Everest Base Camp – An 18 day trek to base camp of the world’s highest mountain!

Kilimanjaro Summit Climb – At 5,895m, Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes ever to break through the Earth’s crust. Your challenge is to reach its summit.

The Water Sports Challenges

There sure is something in the water this year, as another area where team GB really excelled at in the Olympics was Watersports, with Ben Ainslie, Ed Mckeever and Heather Stanning and Helen Glover to name but a few athletes who have brought home gold on the waterfront. If you’ve been in inspired to dip your toes into water sports at an exotic levels, then take a look at the below challenges!

Brazilian Trek and Kayak Challenge – Swim in spectacular waterfalls, sea kayak around the islands of the Bay of Paraty

Sumatra Jungle Challenge – This spectacular trek contains several river crossings and an exhilarating river tubing journey.

The Equestrian Animal Challenge

OK, we admit we’re stretching this one a bit, as our Dog Sledding Challenge certainly does not entail riding husky dogs over fences or training them in an elongated trot. But what this challenge is all about is working with and bonding with your animal allies to navigate across the challenging terrain of snow covered forests and glorious Lapland mountains.

So if you’ve been inspired by our “Big Star”, “Triple X” and their team GB Riders (including royal Zara Phillips!) to take on a challenge of a lifetime with animal team mates, then our Dog Sledding Challenge is the one for you.

Dog Sledding Challenge – Drive your own team of huskies, mushing over 200kms through beautiful, frozen landscapes

You can find out more information about all our challenges on our website at www.charitychallenge.com. To keep up to date on all our challenge news, please subscribe to this blog. You can also enter your email address into the adjacent box to subscribe to our mailing list.

Challenges

Difference between the Rongai and Lemosho routes to Mt Kilimanjaro

August 8, 2012

There are several routes that you can take to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro each offering different views, experiences and challenges to overcome. Charity Challenge has selected two of these Kilimanjaro routes:- Lemosho from the West side and Rongai from the East.

These are two of the less frequently used routes. They each offer some stunning views of the mountain and surrounding countryside. This article will help you to decide which one is correct for you when signing up to your Kilimanjaro summit climb.

Rongai Route

Our trek up this route gives 7 days and 6 nights on the mountain. You will take 5 ½ days to go up and only 1 ½ to come down! The route comes in from the East and follows the Rongai route via the Mawenzi Tarn, which is located in the foothills of the majestic Mawenzi – a secondary peak on Kilimanjaro. Here you spend a day acclimatising before continuing on to the summit. The extra day at Mawenzi includes trekking around an area of awe-inspiring scenery; and this day really helps to increase success rates on the route. On summit night you join the famous Kilimanjaro crater rim at a point known as Gilmans Point (5685m) before setting off

for the 2 ½ to 3 hour return trip to the summit, Uhuru Peak.

On the descent from the mountain you will pick up the busy Marangu route back down the mountain and experience the different terrain that this trek offers.

Rongai is a trekking route and there will be no areas where you will be required to use your hands to ascend.

Lemosho Route

This trek comes in from the West and you spend 8 days and 7 nights on the mountain. This will involve 6 ½ days of ascent and 1 ½ of descent. This route is more undulating that Rongai and more time is spent acclimatising as you cross the impressive Shira Plateau. The extra day means that Lemosho8 has a slightly higher summit success rate than Rongai7. This is the route that was chosen by the celebrity Comic Relief trek that we ran for Chris Moyles, Cheryl Cole and Gary Barlow. It passes through a real mix of terrain from rainforest to desert to glacier. There is one section of the route which may require you to use your hands to ascend – the Barranco Wall. This is not a technical climb but is the only slightly steeper ground on the trek. Those with a real fear of heights may prefer Rongai. However it is only short, not severe, and the guide will be there to assist you all the way. We have never had a trekker fail on the Barranco Wall.

Continue Reading…