UK branch moves ever-closer to six-figure milestone following 24-mile charity climb on scorching hot day.
The annual charity challenge organised by ActionCOACH UK, in memory of their former colleague Kent Rhodes, took place this year in Yorkshire. Kent, who died from a brain tumour in December 2018, was a much-loved franchise partner within the ActionCOACH network.
He passed away on his 49th birthday and every year since then, the UK branch of this global franchise has taken on a different challenge to raise funds for two charities. These are Children with Cancer UK and the ActionCOACH Foundation.
In 2023, this meant a trip to the Three Peaks, on what turned out to be the hottest weekend of the year so far. A team of 46 climbers, consisting of network members, clients and friends, overcame the 27-degree heat to complete the 24-mile route inside the 12-hour time limit.
This involved an ascent of 1,585 metres, all under the guidance of team leader Alan Smith who is a franchise partner from Edinburgh. This year’s challenge raised more than £20,000, which had been their target when setting out on the climb. And it took their total fundraising efforts since 2019 to £97,000.
Alan Smith said: “A huge thanks must go to everyone involved in the support team. They followed us with a van offering food, water and bundles of encouragement. They also arranged our evening’s rest, allowing us to recharge our batteries in a local village where we shared stories, laughed and had a little drink to celebrate.”
Next year’s Kent Rhodes Challenge is already in the planning stage, with Snowden in Wales the chosen destination.
Alan added: “There is no better way to build team spirit and camaraderie than joining the Challenge. You get to spend quality time with team mates? Great chat, fresh air, exercise, loads of fun and raising cash for worthwhile causes. What else could be better? And in 2024 we’ll smash the £100k fundraising milestone.”
ActionCOACH UK’s co-founder, Ian Christelow, said: “Unfortunately, there are still too many parents each day who hear the dreaded news about their child having cancer.
“If our efforts can help to reduce this number, then we would have done Kent proud. Kent always wanted to give his all to make a difference, both to his clients and his community. And our yearly event will help even in a small way.”
To find out more about the fundraising efforts, or to donate, please click here.
