Mission Complete!

Just over a week ago now, on Friday 9th September I headed north to the Scotland. Kitted out with hiking boots, walking poles, thermals and waterproofs, I was on my way to climb Ben Nevis for the mental health charity Rethink. Arriving at Fort William that evening the weather was cold, wet and grey. The journey up to Scotland had been a long one, setting off at 4.30am that morning, so I was more than eager to arrive. As we neared our hotel the driver of our minibus called to us all in the back, “There it is – that’s what you’ll be climbing up tomorrow”. “Wow”, I thought, “it’s huge!”.

It sounds like a pretty obvious thing to say, but it didn’t really hit me until that point that I’d signed myself up to climb Britain’s highest mountain. I hadn’t thought about how high I’d be climbing – 4409 feet. Maybe it was best I hadn’t really thought of it in those terms, or I may have been scared off! 

Although the challenge was a personal one I had embarked on alone, I was really lucky to share the experience with 40 other fundraisers – about half of whom were from the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and were also raising money for Rethink. One the big day itself, I joined forces with the lovely Charlton ‘crew’, accompanied by guides Gillian, Steve (plus Skye the Collie dog) and we all made the ascent together. 

We set out at 8am on the Saturday morning, and climbed for a total of 9 hours – 6 hours up, 3 hours down.  It was a long, but amazing day. Incredible views, some stunning rainbows and the most amazing sense of the magnificence of nature. I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Physically, I was tired, sweaty, hot, cold, wet, stung by the fierce rain and – at times – literally blown off my feet by the gale force winds. Mentally, there were moments when I thought I couldn’t go one step more and was scared where to put my feet lest I fall on the rocks. But despite the challenges I can honestly say it was one of the best things I have done too. I loved the feeling of achievement and the experience taught me more valuable lessons about life than I could write about here.  What made the difference, what spurred me on most, was the amazing support I have had from friends, family, the synagogue and my work colleagues. So far I have raised nearly £800 and, with the fundraising still going on, that figure is set to rise further. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who has made a donation or who wished me well. Rethink is a very worthy cause for all the monies raised, providing valuable support for those suffering from mental health issues. I know the charity and everyone they support will be hugely grateful too

Only 4 days to go!

This time next week I will no doubt be nursing my sore muscles after hiking up Ben Nevis for the charity Rethink - I can't believe it has come around so quickly! 

Have got all my gear, the boots have been worn in a little, but how ready do I feel for the hike itself? Not very! Training time has been harder to come by than I expected, so its a good job that what I lack in fitness I can make up for in determination. After all the amazing support I've had from people I'm determined more than anything else not to let anyone down.

So, with just a few more days to go before the big day, it's time for one last little push on the fundraising front. I'm writing to ask that if you haven't done so already, will you please consider supporting me? You can do this in 1 of 3 ways:

1) Come along to the BDAid variety night on Tuesday 20th September and bring your friends
2) Make a donation on my Just Giving page
3) Donate £1 by texting BENN99 to 70070

Thank you in advance for all your support - it really is making a big difference. And a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me so far!!

Kirsty xx

Variety Night is ON!

Hurrah! It's official, the variety night show I've been planning with my lovely work colleagues for the last few months is on!

After lots of planning and preparation it's great to be able to get the date out there. The event is now up on Facebook here.

Keep posted for more details - announcing the acts soon!

Plea for walking gear!

So, I've just booked my train tickets up to Glasgow for the big hike - it's really happening!! But now I need to get myself kitted out with walking gear!

It's a cheeky request, but if anyone can help / knows someone who could help by loaning me any of the following I would be massively grateful:

Waterproof / walking trousers and jacket
Size 5 walking boots
Walking poles
Thermals
Waterproof gloves/mitts & hat
....a compass (although I'm hoping I wont need this!)

If anyone can help, or has any tips on where to purchase bits cheaply, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks in advance!!!

Kirsty x

Looking forward to meeting fellow Rethink trekkers!

When I first signed up for my trek up Ben Nevis this coming September it was something I had decided to do independently, and was really looking forward to the prospect of meeting strangers on the day and hearing about their individual fundraising stories. It's great to find out in advance however that I'll be meeting some fellow Rethink fundraisers!

Charlton Athletic Community Trust is an organisation which works in partnership with local communities to empower individuals to improve their lives and their environment. One programme they run, now in it's third year, works with the NHS mental health services and community groups locally to support young people who have been affected by psychosis. The Trust runs various activities for young people, from sports to practical classes, employment and CV-writing skills to coaching qualifications, as well as supporting their mental health needs.

Many of the young people they have helped are now in the later stages of recovery and have gained so much from the programme, but they decided that a physical challenge was needed! As a result eight of the young people, plus support workers and staff from the trust will be making the trek up Ben Nevis too. I'm really looking forward to meeting them all - the work sounds amazing and I can't wait to hear more about their inspiring stories.

You can find out more about the Charlton Athletic Community Trust here.

Fast-Fingered TextGiving!

Very excited to hear JustGiving are now set up to receive donations by text! What a brilliant initiative! Let's hope it helps top up my fundraising total with some nice £1 donations. A simple text message of BENN99 to 70070, that's all it takes..... definitely one to tell the (well lubricated) friends about when out on our next pub trip!

BDAid Raffle a success!

Hurrah for the power of collaborative efforts!

This week has been real proof of how much can be achieved when a team of people all pull in the same direction. With just under £500 raised in 5 days I think it's fair to say that our little team effort has been a success!

BDAid is a fundraising campaign organised by myself and some lovely fellow colleagues at BDA, with the goal of all working together to try and raise lots of money for three charities we are individually raising money for. Afterall, why try and go it alone when you can go it with someone else?

The campaign is all about creating lots of opportunities for fun, socialising, and overindulgence - think bakesales, quiz nights, poker etc etc. This week saw us kick off the events with a bakesale on Monday, and a raffle at our Summer party today. It's gone marvellously and I'm so excited and touched by people's generosity. Well done to everyone who dug deep in their pockets and joined in, and a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated prizes.

Next up.....preparations for the BDAid Quiz Night! The campaign continues - watch this space....