Intrepid HECK! staff have just completed two gruelling fundraising challenges that have, so far, raised over £5,500 for incredible causes.
On Saturday 3 May, HECK!’s Jemma Milne, Ben Horn, Helen McTaggart and Abbie Webster, along with eight other family and friends, took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, trekking more than 65,000 steps – the equivalent of 750 flights of stairs – to raise over £4,500 for Reverse Rett, the charity driving treatments and a cure for the rare genetic disorder Rett syndrome. Whilst on Sunday 27 April, HECK!’s 21-year-old Freya Keeler took on her first ever Marathon, donning her running shoes and racing with her sister in the London Marathon to raise over £1,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society.
The 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, which must be completed in 12 hours, includes 5200ft of ascent and takes in Yorkshire’s two highest peaks – Whernside and Ingleborough, as well as Pen-y-Ghent which ranks at number five in Yorkshire. These hills form part of the Pennine range and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the tenacious HECK! team finished the challenge in just under 11 hours.
“I think some of us underestimated quite how steep the hills were going to be, but other than that we all really enjoyed the walk, kept smiling and there were no injuries,” commented Ben Horn. We all stuck together as a team to motivate each other to keep walking and the beautiful scenery and views from the peaks were stunning. You could see for miles.”
Of her first Marathon, which she ran in an impressive five hours, Freya said, “The training was tough, but it was worth it to raise this money for Alzheimer’s research. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s donated. Both of my grandmas are affected by this cruel disease – one is in a care home and the other still lives independently, but it’s heartbreaking to see how Alzheimer’s is changing them over time. I ran the marathon in their honour and hope my fundraising supports research that will make a difference to future generations.”
Both Jemma and Freya were inspired to get fundraising after HECK! launched its Community Fund in May last year. The fund recognises individuals and organisations making a real impact in their communities and embodies its commitment to giving back, whether through financial support, volunteering, fundraising or helping with product and prize donations.
Jemma comments, “I have a close family connection with Rett syndrome, as my niece was diagnosed with the condition when she was three years old. When I mentioned my interest in the Three Peaks Challenge, everyone at HECK! was very supportive – so much so, that three team members signed up to do it with me! We’ve been making good use of the staff gym and 5k walking trail for our training sessions and it feels great to be able to do our bit and contribute to this charity’s important work. My initial target was £1000, but I’ve been blown away with the support and kindness from so many people and I’ve smashed this, with over £4,500 now raised!”
HECK! co-founder Jamie Keeble added, “We’re always thinking of ways we can give back to our communities and actively encourage staff to come up with fundraising ideas. We’re incredibly proud of Jemma, Ben, Helen, Abbie and Freya, and everything they’ve done to raise money for these amazing charities.”
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