Held in honour of much-loved and highly respected ActionCOACH franchise partner Kent Rhodes, who passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer, the annual event has now reached its eighth year. It brought together franchise partners, clients, team members, family and friends from across the UK.
This year’s challenge was organised by franchise partner Phil Chantry and attracted almost 40 participants, including Marc Eccles, who was inspired to join ActionCOACH through Kent’s coaching and mentorship.
Participants tackled routes of varying lengths across some of the Peak District’s most renowned landscapes, raising funds for Children with Cancer UK and the Young Entrepreneur Smart Start (YESS) Foundation.
Denise Pitot, CEO of the YESS Foundation, played a key role in delivering this year’s event, helping to coordinate both the challenge and fundraising activities to ensure Kent’s legacy continued to be at the heart of the occasion.
“As tough as the challenge was, we always knew it was only for 12 hours,” said Denise. “Many young people don’t have that certainty when they’re facing difficulties in their lives. The money raised will help us continue giving young people the support, skills and encouragement they need.”
This year’s challenge pushed the cumulative fundraising total beyond the £100,000 milestone, marking a significant achievement for an initiative inspired by one individual’s passion for helping others.
For Ian Christelow, co-founder of ActionCOACH UK, “Kent had an incredible ability to bring out the best in people. He challenged us to think bigger, do more and contribute wherever we could. To see so many people continuing to come together in his memory, whilst raising more than £100,000 for important causes, is something I know he would have been immensely proud of.”
“The funds donated will help us continue delivering life-changing education and personal development opportunities for young people across the UK,” added Denise. “Every programme we run is designed to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills, helping young people realise what they’re capable of achieving.
“This year we’ve raised over £10,000. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, donated or supported the event. Their efforts will create opportunities for young people long into the future.”
To find out more about the fundraising efforts or to donate, please click here.
