TWELVE people, THREE teams, ONE Reflex took on the gruelling Samworth Brothers Charity Challenge in the Lake District on Saturday 11th May, raising over £8000 for our chosen charity and bagging a trophy on the way!
As part of our commitment to the wider community, each year Reflex chooses one charity to focus our fundraising efforts on. This year we are proud to support Alzheimer’s Society who do an incredible job working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
The event, hosted bi-annually by Samworth Brothers, is an adventure race, lasting 10 hours and covering 3 disciplines – trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. The objective is to navigate a wide geographical area, collecting points at various checkpoints. This is not just about survival of the fittest, but a game of strategy, timing, navigational skills and a sprinkling of luck!
Three Reflex teams were ready and raring to go on the start line at 7am in perfect weather conditions.
The ladies’ team “Reflex Rascals” objectives were to have fun, not get lost or rescued and not finish last! – it was definitely mission accomplished! The initial strategy of “just follow another team if we get lost” didn’t work when the Rascals found themselves up a hill in the middle of nowhere, with no one else in sight, but Issy Jones’ hidden navigational talent rose to the fore! The mountain biking was more of a “hike with a bike” across some very tough terrain and then the ladies absolutely smashed the kayaking section around Windermere, boosting their points total considerably.
Our “All The Gear No Idea” team was unfortunately hit by a wave of last-minute injuries days before the event, with 3 of the 4 members of the team out of action. Sam Donahoe saved the day and miraculously found 3 replacements with only 3 days’ notice. Fantastic teamwork and fitness ensured a top 5 finish. The lads enjoyed it so much, they got up at 5am the next day to head out to do another triathlon!
However, the stars of the show were Reflex’s “A Team” who certainly lived up to their name, scooping the trophy in the “Tough” category and an additional £1000 contribution to our chosen charity. With a carefully planned strategy, and Toby Hamer as chief map reader, they were soon flying around the checkpoints on the trek, clocking up the points in spite of going off-piste slightly and having to re-route. Despite having some points deducted for a late return after the kayaking, our “A Team” finished first in their category.
Samworth Brothers hosted an excellent event – the course was well designed and the staff were exceptionally friendly and well-informed about the event. An enjoyable evening celebration with food served by Samworth Brothers’ chefs was a great end to a fun but challenging day.
Just to be out in the lake District on such a glorious day was a prize in itself, but building relationships, strengthening teamwork and raising money for such a worthwhile cause was priceless.
