This challenge is in memory of our dear colleague Laura Henderson who was so sadly taken from us last year. In her honour, this challenge is aptly named Reach for the Stars.

Reach for the Stars will focus on elevation rather than distance, where the aim is to get as close to the stars as possible each week. You can do this by climbing your own stairs, walking up a local hill or for the more adventurous of you even tackling a Munro or
two! 

We have set the individual challenge at 3000m and there will be a weekly leader board with a group challenge to reach 126,143m (combined height of all the Munro’s in Scotland) however our real aim is to get you switching off from work and out and about in our wonderful country, enjoying some fresh air and beautiful scenery. Laura loved to take a picture during the challenge last year and we encourage you all to share yours this year enabling us all to enjoy the views you encounter.

The challenge will run from 28th April - 10th July and will culminate with a walk round some of Laura’s favourite paths in Stewarton where we would ask you to join us in a walk of remembrance. 

For some additional motivation, we will also take this opportunity to raise some funds for a worthy charity. The Henderson family have already donated three lifesaving public access defibrillators partnering with the charity St Johns Scotland. All 3 are located in places that were significant to Laura, such as the local Stewarton community centre where she'd attend discos back in the day!

We want to fund at least one defibrillator in Laura's memory, so we need to raise £1000 which St Johns add a further £400 to then follow it up with free CPR and defibrillator awareness training led by a small team of volunteers.