A few months later....
Well - mission complete! On 10th September, the team completed The Great Lakeland Challenge.
Firstly, a massive shout of recognition for a herculean effort by Acushnet colleague Richard Harries. Unforutnately, Phil had to pull out only a week or so before the event due to injury - and Richard, 'fresh' from his London Marathon in April, stepped in at the last minute. It's worth bearing in mind that only a week earlier, young Rich was supping red wine and basking in glorious Portugese sunshine - and that his only 'training' was a bike ride in the Fens, just 4 days before the actual event.....
The revised team of James Robinson, Ryan Hunt and Rich Harries completed the three sections in a grand total of 10 hours and 53 minutes, and finishing 8th out of 16 teams.
Feedback from the team was that canoeing wasn't as hard as it sounds, cycling is infinitely harder than it sounds, and that it's very easy to get lost, when left alone to navigate your way on foot to the top of a mountain.
A worthy mention must also go to Sue Buddle - team driver, and all around inspirational guru to the team.
Finally a big thanks to all of you that have dipped in your pockets and sponsored the team - their efforts would have been futile without your support.
Please keep an eye out on this page (and Facebook) for details of future events and fundraising efforts, as we push to reach the Wooden Spoon fund raising target of £3,900 by early next year.
There's also talk amongst the lads at having a crack at The Great Lakeland Challenge 2011 - watch this space.....
A few quick words from young Hunty.... :
Thank you for taking the time to look at our fund-raising page.
On Friday the 10th of September, Team 6 Balls and a Driver (I will introduce you later), will be competing in the Great Lakeland Challenge.
The Great Lakeland Challenge is an endurance event which comprises of the following 3 events - a 10.5 Mile Canadian Canoe across the longest lake in England, Lake Windermere. Following that our team will then need to complete a gruelling 26 mile cycle over 2 of the highest peaks in England, Hardknott and Wrynose Pass. Along the cycle the team will need to conquer 1.3 gradients!!! Finally we will have to endure a 8.5 mile hike/run/crawl to Scarfell Pike, the highest peak in England. These 3 challenges will be a race against time, and Team 6 Balls and a Driver, have to complete the challenge in less than 12 hours!
I would really appreciate any donations towards this event, if you'd rather give a donation directly through me please don't hesitate to contact me (
ryanhunt45@hotmail.co.uk). The process only takes a couple of minutes and the website does all the hard work! All donations will be going towards the Wooden Spoon charity which works to the following mission statement:
"Wooden Spoon aims to enhance the quality and prospect of life for children and young people in the United Kingdom and Ireland who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially."
Please visit www.woodenspoon.com for more information on the charity.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us. Wooden Spoon gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
The Team
Here is a brief guide to Team 6 Balls and a Driver, from left to right -
Phil Dimmock
Phil is a PGA registered golfer and works as a Club Technician for Titleist. His nickname is 'Forrest' for his love of running, but is a self confessed Chocoholic! Phil will be looking forwards (if that is possible) to the running section of the event, which he, being the runner out of the 3 athletes should excel in.
Colin Mynott
Colin is our Media Guru! He is in charge of all thinks technologically minded and I think you'll agree has done a great job with this page. Another area you may wish to explore is 6 Balls and a Drivers Facebook page. Colin is also employed by Titleist and works in the Custom Clubs department.
Sue Buddle
'Buds' has the most crucial job of all! She will have to keep the athletes motivated and meet them at various stages during the challenge and provide them with fresh clothes, equipment and if the boys are lucky, a quick massage! Sue works in the Export division of Acushnet.
Ryan Hunt
I am the 'Fool/Idiot' who managed to convince the other guys that this would be a good idea! Like Phil, chocolate is my downfall, along with sweets, crisps, beer, well thinking about it, anything bad for you! Being 5ft 3" and the same across, I will be looking to perform well in the cycle ride! I am also a Titleist employee, and work along side Phil on the Titleist Tour Truck.
James Robinson
Jim is an all action man, except the 6 days after his rugby matches where he picks up numerous injuries and can be seen hobbling around the work place, but still with a big smile on his face! As Jim's guns are bigger than mine and Phil's legs, James will be crucial in propelling the Canoe across Lake Windermere! James works at Acushnet and is Chief Diary Administrator.
So, there is your brief guide to what we will be training towards for the next 9 months. Now we've got to get our lycras on and get training! It will be gruelling, but let the chaffing begin!
