Chief executive Jonathan Neame was among the fundraising group that walked and ran 52.4 miles, the equivalent to two marathons, from Whiteshill in Gloucestershire to Broadway Tower in Worcestershire.
The challenge is particularly demanding as Broadway Tower is the Cotswold’s highest castle, and the route involved more than 2,500m of ascent.
Other members of Team Extreme, which has been running for nine years and sees Shepherd Neame staff tackle tough endurance challenges for charity, included Head of Property Services Martin Godden, Export Controller Olly Scott, Business Development Manager Dougie Dick, National Account Manager Lee Whitehead, Commercial Estate Manager John Barnes and Development Surveyor Nick Farrant.
More than 500 competitors took part, and Olly and John finished the route in less than 11 hours 30 minutes, placing them both in the top 70. Jonathan, Martin, and Lee all finished in under 17 hours, while Dougie finished in just over 19 hours.
They raised almost £4,000, and Martin and Olly presented a cheque for £3,381 to Pilgrims Hospices on Wednesday 4 July. The remainder of the money went to Prostate Cancer UK.
During the past nine years Team Extreme has raised over £50,000 for charity, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us.
Olly Scott, Shepherd Neame Export Controller
Martin said: “It’s the second year that we have completed the Race to the Tower, and although it is physically tough, it is a fantastic experience. It’s a great team-building activity, from the training beforehand to the actual event, and we have been delighted by the amount of money we raised for two fantastic causes.”
Olly added: “During the past nine years Team Extreme has raised over £50,000 for charity, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us.
“The challenge was brutally hot and the course was hilly, it took all of our physical and mental strength to complete.
“We are now starting to plan a very special challenge to mark our 10th anniversary next year, so watch this space!”
Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager Leila Ilkhan said: “Pilgrims would like to thank Shepherd Neame’s Team Extreme for their generous donation. The money raised will help us to provide care for patients and their families who need our help the most. Each year we care for around 2,500 people across east Kent, and this fundraising will make a huge difference to the care of so many.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or Wellbeing and Social Programme for more information.
21st February 2018
Towers School steps up to the challenge for Pilgrims
Last year Pilgrims Hospices challenged people to face the flames at their inspirational Fire Walk. Hundreds of supporters took part raising an incredible £61,000; enough to cover more than 3,000 of nursing care. This year, the ‘hottest, shortest sponsored walk in the world’ is back with an extra twist!
Not only can you conquer your fears by walking barefoot over 800 degrees of red-hot wood embers, they’re offering the chance to test your nerves by facing the new Icewalk. By putting mind over matter, you could achieve what would be seen to be impossible by walking barefoot across a bed of sterile broken glass.
Robert Grew, met with staff and youngsters at Towers School, Faversham Road, Ashford who will be hosting the Fire and Ice Walk on Friday 9 March. Robert said: “I’d like to thank Towers School for hosting Pilgrims Fire and Ice Walk, it’s the first time we’ve held this event in Ashford, and we’re already having some great response.
“The venue is just brilliant with plenty of room for family and friends to come along and support loved ones when they take the daring dash. It’s a great test of inner strength and a really exciting challenge to take part in or spectate!”
I’ve experienced Pilgrims care first hand and can confidently say how important it is to be there for even more families in the future.
Regular Pilgrims supporter and volunteer Sue Barrett-Austen will take part this year, testing her inner strength and determination. Sue is Welfare Manager at Towers School and looks after year 11 and sixth form students. She told us: “I’m very excited to be taking part; I’ve experienced Pilgrims care first hand and can confidently say how important it is to be there for even more families in the future who need their special services and support.
“I know that my registration and sponsorship money will really make a difference to those who need help the most, it’s going to be my biggest challenge so far.”
So why not face the flames this March?
No tricks, no special effects, just you and your nerve. Conquer the most primal of fears in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. Robert added: “Our brave firewalkers tell us how they are still buzzing from the experience weeks later. It’s something anyone can do with no previous training. More of a psychological challenge that physical, by facing the flames you’ll be raising vital funds for our hospices. With every single step, you’ll be making a difference to the lives of local people and their families who are in need of end-of-life care.”
Friends and family can come too. With a breath-taking display from fire performer Paul Incredible just before the main event, they’ll be sure to be amazed as they cheer you across the coals and see what can be achieved.
Take on a Firewalk, an Icewalk, OR BOTH. With interactive training seminars with renowned motivational speaker and fire and glass walking expert Cliff Mann before the daring dash, we know you’ll feel fantastic once you’ve completed the challenge. After all, if you can achieve this, you can find the confidence to do anything.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
