Hello generous supporters

Firstly, thank you for visiting our donation page.  As you may well know by now, we are undertaking the Capgemini Wild UK Challenge in which we each have to haul ourselves across 100 miles of rugged West Country terrain.  The event consists of cycling 55 miles, running 37 miles, kayaking 9 miles and a sea swim for good measure.  The purpose is to raise vital funds for The Prince's Trust (as well as demonstrate our "adaptability", "flexibility", "non-flappability" and to rub the other teams’ noses in it of course).

The Team

A team was sought for their endurance, stamina and ability to cope in the natural environment.  However, no one matching those criteria was available so the only people left were:

Catherine Grundy * (aka "Panther") – for her dedication in both the cycling and running disciplines (and because she’s not frightened to get her nails dirty);

Allen Loades * (aka "The Blade") – his efforts running in the London Marathon coupled with his extraordinary height make him a natural way-marker in the challenge team.  His ability to navigate a darts board like an antique compass means we are sure to hit the bulls-eye every time on our orienteering challenges;

Mike Cottell (aka "Ace") – with a sense of direction the Italian Army would kill for, he has promised to make the Challenge significantly more scenic than that of the other competitors;

Leah Couch (aka "Rogue") – as administrator and, thanks to her vast kayaking experience, our only hope not to finish up the creek without a paddle;

Doug Heard (aka "Champ") – the token jester and the only one with experience of riding a bicycle without stabilisers (although at the time of going to press that still remained an unconfirmed rumour); and

Giancarlo Di Santo *  (aka "Tiger") – the linguist in the group.  Proficient in French, Italian, German and Spanish, he is currently learning Devonian.  Not one to turn to for navigation, unless the question is “how did we get into this mess?”

As you can see, the athletes* coupled with the wit of the non-athletes has produced a symbiotic relationship that cannot fail to achieve.

The Challenge

The Challenge begins with a 27 mile trek on Day 1 beside the Atlantic Coast at Porlock Bay in North Somerset.  After a night camped out, there follows a brisk hike over Exmoor, we jump into kayaks for a paddle over Lake Wimbleball and continue our journey cycling on and off road through the Devonshire countryside.  A speedy sea swim should see us through Day 2.  After further sleep deprivation (well camping) we brave the saddle once more on Day 3 towards our finish line on South Devon beaches. 

The Prince's Trust

Each team member needs to raise £800 in sponsorship (or £4,800 collectively).  This money goes towards The Prince's Trust in assisting young people to turn their lives around as part of the Trust's 12-week self development programme.  This programme is aimed at providing young people with the skills they would need to enter education, training or the workplace.  Many of these people have found success in their new career paths and hugely value the support The Prince's Trust provides. 

A note from the team

"We are immensely excited about taking on such a challenging task, if a little daunted given our current levels of fitness.  However, we're sure that our beloved four-month training schedule should see us through.  We are grateful for your support so please give generously.  We would also appreciate it if you could not remark on how rough we will all look on the Monday following the challenge."

Many thanks for your support

The Beachcroft Way-sters