In 2022, over 170 of my colleagues at GoCardless took part in our first ever Race to Nature - where we collectively walked/ran/pushed/cycled/swan/rowed our way to over 32,000 KM, with every step support projects that tackle climate change, protect nature, and support communities.

This meant we planted 5000 native trees in the UK with Carma and The Green Task Force, restored kelp forests with Green the UK , trained teachers to deliver the Apps for Good Innovate for Climate Course in schools, supported the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Climate Giant project , and protected Sea Dragon's in Australia.

This year we will aim to go even bigger and get more companies joining us - but also individuals. So I've decided to attempt my own personal Race to Nature, to raise funds and awareness of some amazing causes who are helping to build a more sustainable and equitable world.

On the 16th and 17th June - I'll be taking part in the Fan Dance with the SF Experience, the infamous UK SAS Selection route in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), a 24km route over Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in the South of the UK) carrying a 45lb pack.

To make it more fun - I'll be aiming to do it 3 times in 24hours (AKA The Fan Dance Trinity).

Every step will be to tackle climate change, protect nature, and support communities. I'll be supporting:

- Apps For Good - I was lucky enough to meet first hand many of the young people who have taken part in the Apps for Good Innovate for Climate course, and was absolutely amazed, so I'm delighted to try and help more students access this powerful and impactful course.

- The PATT Foundation - The charity behind the Green Task Force & Carma who we joined with to plant our 5000 trees. They do fantastic work not only for climate and nature, but in helping ex-service personal to re-train and find employment.

- Whale And Dolphin Conservation - WDC do a huge amount of work helping to restore our whale and dolphin populations, who in turn do so much to help regulate climate and ensure healthy oceans.

Please support if you can!

Thanks everyone,

Ben