Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – STEPH MILLER

March 5, 2024

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining 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 Challenge Leader – Steph Miller

Steph Miller

Name

Steph Miller

How long have you been a Challenge Leader with Charity Challenge?

Three years

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

Oh dear… that’s a tough one because I’ve been honoured to be a part of some incredible international adventures and likewise some incredible UK expeditions. I think my favourite challenge, rather than a place, are those where team work and comradery are at their highest. To be a part of a team, supporting each other is humbling and good for the soul. I’d say its the experience over the expedition.

Steph Miller, Challenge Leader

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

Yes… I’ll narrow it down to all of them

How do you keep your body in tip top shape for the challenge season?

I work hard throughout the year to maintain good physical fitness and mental strength for challenge season. The more I take care of myself throughout the year, the more I feel prepared and the more I enjoy the challenges.

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

Nuts! I’m nuts about nuts! I love granola bars / flapjacks and I keep myself topped up with those all important electrolytes so I can stay hydrated #hydrohomie 

Steph Miller, Challenge Leader

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

I do the same for myself as I would advise others to do – to work on good physical fitness and take care of your mind leading up to challenges. Ultimately though I believe people know what they need. Whether they take care of those needs is subjective but ultimately that would be my advice – you know what you need for the challenge, how can you make sure you get it?

What 5 items do you always pack in your day rucksack?

Waterproofs! Yes it looks sunny but this is England! Compeed because blisters can happen to the best of us. Plenty of water, oodles of snacks and a variety of layers because again…. this is England!

What is the best thing about being a leader?

Being part of a team. At Charity Challenge us leaders have a family vibe going on and it’s so incredibly fun and supportive. Its in absolute trust and respect and there’s nothing we can’t achieve together

Steph Miller, Challenge Leader

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Being able to help outdoor companies develop mental health awareness as a part of outdoor challenges and working with participants to develop mental resiliency to push past those blocks and watch them achieve things their minds wouldn’t allow them to imagine. It’s incredibly humbling and its so special every single time. 

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Inspiration

MEET OUR PARTNER – OUTDOORHIRE

February 20, 2024

At Charity Challenge, we are extremely proud of the relationships we have built with our partners over the years. We understand how nerve racking it can be to take on a challenge for the first time, which is why we are working closely with a range of reputable suppliers to help provide support to all of our charity and corporate clients and challenge participants on their challenge journey. We felt it is time to shine a spotlight on each of our partners so you can get to know them better!

Outdoorhire

Partner name

Outdoorhire

Tell us about your business

Outdoorhire, the UK’s leading outdoor equipment rental provider, is proud to partner with Charity Challenge, uniting their passion for adventure with the power of giving back.

Whether you’re scaling mountains for medical research or trekking through jungles for wildlife conservation, Outdoorhire has your back (and feet!). The Outdoorhire website, is your one-stop shop for top-quality gear from renowned brands like Montane, Mountain Hardwear and Black Diamond. From expedition clothing and sleeping bags to backpacks and hiking poles, all meticulously maintained and ready to fuel your next challenge.

Outdoorhire

Why did you choose to partner with Charity Challenge?

Outdoorhire and Charity Challenge share a deep commitment to empowering individuals to push their boundaries while making a real difference in the world. With Charity Challenge offering a vast spectrum of exciting fundraising adventures, like summiting Kilimanjaro or trekking to Machu Picchu, there’s something for every passion and purpose.

What benefits do you offer Charity Challenge participants?

Exclusive Discounts: Get 10% off your hire when you use your Charity Challenge discount code (available in your account area after you have booked on). The cost of hiring is also significantly less than buying equivalent quality gear, so why not get the best gear at a fraction of the cost. That’s more gear for your journey, and more impact for your charity cause!

Priority Booking: Secure your essential equipment before it’s gone. Charity Challenge participants get priority access to popular items, ensuring you’re fully equipped for your chosen adventure.

Expert Advice: Not sure what gear you need? Don’t fret! Outdoorhire’s team is just a click or call away, offering expert advice tailored to your specific challenge activity and terrain.

Environmental Sustainability: Hiring your expedition gear saves money but also saves the environment. Renting extends the life cycle of equipment, reducing the need for constant production and resource depletion. Every rented jacket is one less jacket gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere. The equipment is delivered and collected by net-zero carbon couriers too! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is Outdoorhire’s mantra.

Social Support: Join the vibrant Outdoorhire and Charity Challenge communities on social media! Share your training tips, fundraising milestones, and breathtaking expedition photos. You’ll find endless inspiration and a network of like-minded individuals embarking on incredible journeys for good.

Outdoorhire

Connect on social

Follow Outdoorhire on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates, exclusive offers, and inspiring stories.

Remember, every climb, every hike, every pedal stroke becomes a powerful act of generosity when you join forces with Outdoorhire and Charity Challenge. So, gear up, embrace the spirit of adventure, and make a difference every step of the way!

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Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – ANNIE JACKSON

February 12, 2024

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining 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 our Overseas Operations Manager – Annie Jackson

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

Name

Annie Jackson

How long have you been part of the Charity Challenge team?

Almost 2 years now!

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

What’s your role at Charity Challenge?

Overseas Operations Manager

Tell us a little bit about your background and what you did before joining Charity Challenge?

I have done quite a few different things from selling houses on the West Coast of Scotland to running a café in Brisbane. The main thing is I have loved them all and fell in love with exploring and just giving things a go. I am now settled in The Lake District with my 2 doggies & husband, Ryan where we spend our weekends pinching ourselves that we actually live in this beautiful part of the UK!

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The variety I have each day! One day I can be focused on setting up a new challenge for Jordan and the next day, I can be looking at Morocco and working out how we can get 60+ people from A to B. Its very fun!

What advice would you give someone who is looking to do a Charity Challenge?

Get the best quality kit you can afford from day one and train in it. I promise you; it will last you forever, it will be more comfortable, and you’ll have a better experience on your challenge because you were warm, dry and comfortable.

Also, remember that you don’t have to buy everything brand new. Borrowing from friends and family is such a good option. I used my sister’s trekking rucksack for years until she ended up getting fed up and bought me one for my birthday. Also, second-hand sites/apps like Vinted or Ebay are great options aswell. I will always look on Vinted before I consider buying anything brand new and I can usually find it a lot cheaper and in great condition.

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

What’s been your favourite charity challenge (so far)?

I really enjoyed climbing Mount Toubkal in Morocco. We went in November time so there was some snow fields and I got to use crampons and an ice ace – I felt very cool! We were also extremely lucky and had a blue-bird day so the views from the top were spectacular!

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

Does anyone ever answer ‘no’ to this?! There’s always going to be challenges left on my list! Dog Sledding in Sweden, Mount Kenya (then a Safari 😉), Iceland Lava Trek…the list goes on!

Annie Jackson, Overseas Operations Manager Charity Challenge

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…

I am 29 years old and I still have a little baby tooth.

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Sales & Promotions

CHARITY CHALLENGE LOYALTY CLUB

February 1, 2024

Did you know that as a thank you for travelling with Charity Challenge, we offer participants a discount when you book your next challenge with us.

If you book on a UK challenge you will get £25 off, if you book on a short haul challenge (European, Middle East and North Africa) you will get £50 off, and if you book on a long haul challenge (rest of the world) you will get £100 off the registration fee.

All you need to do is enter the code REPEAT at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions

  • The discount is only available to participants who have an active or completed booking with Charity Challenge.
  • You must enter the discount code REPEAT at the time of booking in order for it to be applied to your booking. We cannot apply discounts retrospectively once the booking has been completed.
  • Discounts will be applied per person, not per booking, depending on each individual’s previous bookings.
  • The reduced pricing applies strictly to new bookings, and bookings that have already been confirmed are locked into their original price and are not entitled to the reduced pricing.
  • Discounts will be deducted from the registration fee, not the balance,
  • Only one discount code can be used at any one time. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other codes.
  • Applies only to the challenges indicated on the Charity Challenge website. Prices as advertised.
  • The offer is subject to availability and there is no cash alternative. We reserve the right to withdraw or amend the offer at any time.
  • Spaces are limited to the challenge maximum group size.

Book your next challenge with us today!

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Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – LOUISE ALLEN

January 24, 2024

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining 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 Challenge Leader – Louise Allen

Mind Hike - Louise Allen

Name

Louise Allen

How long have you been a Challenge Leader?

About eight years

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

CoppaTrek! Hadrian’s Wall Country. Being involved with my husband, John to plan the five routes and walk them in my home county of Northumberland was definitely a highlight of last year.

CoppaTrek! Hadrian's Wall Country - Louise Allen

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

A foreign trip. Nepal or South America

How do you keep your body in tip top shape for the challenge season?

I am hooked on Hot Pod Yoga to keep my strength and flexibility, great for maintaining good mental health. I also love getting out for adventures with my husband John or with friends.

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

I try to eat healthy on challenges so my go to snacks would be carrots and houmous, malt loaf and salted corn.

PCUK March For Men - Louise Allen

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

Get out and train as often as possible but look after yourselves with pilates/yoga stretching to prevent injury.

What 5 items do you always pack in your day rucksack?

Reading glasses, savoury snack usually salty corn/nuts, lightweight primo loft gilet, apple juice and a buff.

What is the best thing about being a leader?

Meeting and support clients, hearing their stories and being part of their journey.

PCUK Football March - Louise Allen

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Just being apart of a very special team of leaders and being able to support people that do not think they are going to make it to the summit/end. I love to encourage and motivate people to achieve their goals.

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Inspiration

MEET OUR PARTNER – ENTHUSE

January 17, 2024

At Charity Challenge, we are extremely proud of the relationships we have built with our partners over the years. We understand how nerve racking it can be to take on a challenge for the first time, that is why we are working closely with a range of reputable suppliers to help provide support to all of our charity and corporate partners and participants on their challenge journey. We felt it is time to shine a spotlight on each of our partners so you can get to know them better!

Partner name

Enthuse

Tell us about your business

Enthuse is Europe’s number one charity first fundraising platform and the official online fundraising partner for London Marathon Events and Great Run. We offer digital donations, fundraising and event reg technology, all under the charity’s brand, so it feels like supporters never left their website. Our platform helps organisations strengthen supporter relationships and gain financial predictability through a personalised and consistent experience.

When it comes to events, a key challenge is making it as easy as possible for participants to fundraise. That’s why fundraising is integrated with event registration for 100% page creation and participants can access and manage their fundraising from the participant’s account area on the Charity Challenge website. This means the fundraising experience is truly synonymous with the challenge itself.

We know that branded fundraising pages raise more when it comes to events. That’s why company and profile pages can be branded with the corporate and charity logos, tying the cause closely with the brand identity of its corporate partner. What’s more, profiles come equipped with totalisers and leaderboards, making it easy and convenient to see how much has been raised.

For companies who want to reward brilliant fundraising, Enthuse provides the tools to enable matched giving. This is perfect for businesses who are looking to support their teams and double the fundraising total. This can be done directly through the fundraising page and a matched giving report will be provided.

Why did you choose to partner with Charity Challenge?

At Enthuse, we specialise in digital fundraising, donations and event reg technology. We provide 80% of the UK’s most loved charities with the tools they need to maximise their digital fundraising efforts.

Our team does a great job supporting good causes with interesting fundraising ideas but when a charity wants to take on a big challenge, sometimes they need something that goes that step further.

Whether it’s a trip to Machu Picchu, travelling across the Sahara or taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge, Charity Challenge offers truly unique experiences for good causes, to help inspire fundraising from their supporters.

By partnering together, we’re able to ensure that our charities not only have a fit-for-purpose fundraising platform, but an enticing challenge that helps to encourage participation.

Case study

Read here how Together for Short Lives raised £58,000 in partnership with Morrisons.

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