Cumbrian Businesses Complete Virtual Charity Challenge in Aid of Local Good Causes
On Tuesday, 16 July, 2024, staff from various Cumbrian businesses proudly announced that they had completed a virtual charity challenge, walking the equivalent distance from Cumbria to the South Pole and back. The event was organized by the Cumbria Community Foundation to mark its 25th anniversary and was a resounding success, with over 130 colleagues from 18 companies and organizations participating and clocking an impressive 19,882 miles in just six weeks.
Participants took on the 171-mile virtual route from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay by walking, running, swimming, and cycling all over the county and beyond. They also utilized static exercise bikes and rowing machines in their homes, offices, and gyms, showing great determination and dedication to the cause. The challenge was created to be inclusive for people of all abilities, and participants were able to choose the activity that suited them best.
The Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge raised an incredible £12,500, which will be distributed by the Cumbria Community Foundation through grant-making to various charities and community groups across the county. Companies that took part included Armstrong Watson, Oxley Developments, and Intro PR, among others. Even beneficiaries of the Foundation, such as the Centre for Leadership Performance, Phoenix Enterprise Centre, and Calderwood House, joined in the challenge.
One of the participating companies, WCF, was the first to finish the challenge, with their Deputy Managing Director, Phil Murray, completing the 171 miles in less than three weeks. The team, known as WCF Warriors, was made up of members of the firm’s senior leadership team, plus one family member, and they also raised the highest total, thanks to a match-funding donation from the firm.
Jo Ritzema, Managing Director of WCF, expressed their delight in supporting the charity in their silver anniversary year and doing something different to celebrate. She also highlighted the physical and mental benefits of participating as a team, saying, “We have all thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge and have benefited from both the physical and mental effort. By doing it as a team, we have been spurred on by the efforts of others, particularly on dull and rainy days, and there is no doubt there has been a healthy level of competition to top the leaderboard.”
The Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge was also a personal achievement for some participants, like Heather Sewell, Communications Manager for Cumbria Tourism, who has a complex heart condition that would make the real Coast to Coast route unsuitable for her. She shared, “This virtual version was still undoubtedly a big challenge, so I was thrilled to complete the 171-mile course within the six weeks. It’s been a great incentive for me to get out and about across the county, with all the physical and mental health benefits that brings.”
Caroline Adams, Development Manager for Cumbria Community Foundation, expressed her delight in the overwhelming support received from the community. She said, “We were absolutely delighted with the way so many people rose to the challenge and took part to support the work of the Foundation. We wanted to do something special to mark our 25th anniversary, and this challenge has certainly given us many memorable moments, as well as raising very valuable funds for communities in need across the county.”
A team from Cumbria Community Foundation also took part in the challenge, and Caroline added, “We have really enjoyed going for walks in our lunch break – despite the largely terrible weather – and even set up an exercise bike in one of our meeting rooms, so hopefully we will keep up our good habits now the challenge has finished.”
Last night, on Monday, 15 July, 2024, a celebration event was held at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith to bring participants together, thank them, and share their stories of completing the challenge. Prizes and goody bags were kindly provided by Asda Workington, New Balance, Flimby, Cranstons, Grasmere Gingerbread, and Wild & Fruitful.
To find out more ways to support the Cumbria Community Foundation, visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.