The Charity

Justin, James, Ross and Josh (L-R) pictured at the Brockham bonfire this year are lucky enough to have children attending the amazing school the charity is setup to support! The school charity, and the money we are raising is not about raising money for a particular item, but helping to contribute to the continued charity and fund raising the school is so brilliant at. This supports the awesome staff at the school in educating and giving opportunities to some amazing children. In recent years they have provided: Books, Benches, Canvas tents, iPads, Laptops, Projector & screen for the school hall (Brockham), PHSE resources. They’ve paid for the whole school Online Safety Training, and helped with the costs for Marquees and Speakers for events and with Year 6 Citizenship Days. The actual things that make the most impact to children's education. I include their web link in case you would like to see and support what other events and activities they organise if you are local to the area.

https://www.fonds.org.uk/

The Challenge and the hikers

In July 2022, two of our team, Justin (dad) and Calum (Scottish dude left) attempted the three peak challenge in 24 hours for the Red Cross humanitarian effort in Ukraine, completing two of the mountains only to have a tyre blow out on the Hardknott Pass - the steepest road in England. Now forever known as the “Youshallnot Pass”. We spent 8 hours for one of only three recovery people who service that road to finally help some dejected hikers down the mountain road to get their car fixed - Mission Failed. My brother’s father-in-law Andy (driver from Route 66) vowed that day to help whereever he could to help me and Calum achieve our goal of completing the challenge if we ever decided to do it again.

Fast forward 2 years later Justin and Calum decided it was time to dust off the boots and try again. This time though a little bit more planning. North Downs parents have a great sense of community and, despite [only – delete as applicable] knowing him for 2 years, when Justin mentioned to Josh, Ross and James what we were planning to do and what it would be for they immediately expressed interest in getting involved. Calum spoke with some of his clan and Jack (scottish dude right) joined the team, and Dave (the Dave) a friend of Justin’s who had always shown an interest in the challenge accepted - to his own surprise. You would describe us as a mixed ability of group – who make up for in enthusiasm what we lack in fitness and ability. We will of course self fund any costs affiliated to the challenge itself.

Thank you(s) and sign off.

He won't mind me sharing this but Andy (who has arguably just as gruelling a challenge with the drive) true to his word when we asked and explained said "No problem" immediately, listened to the plan and said "Wait how many people am i driving?".

People who know me or have just read this know i talk too much so I will finish with this. Thank you for reading this far, and thank you for your support and donations. It doesn’t matter how much or little you donate thank you. I will keep this page up to date with training efforts, and pics of people who get involved in any of the training that supports this as I did last time. This is about helping the work the brilliant FONDs team, parents and friends supporting the amazing staff at North Downs – and going about completing something long overdue for some folk who need to see about some mountains. Wish us luck in both endeavours.