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Good things always come in threes - or so the saying goes. For four employees of a local finance firm have heeded that call, and will be trekking, climbing and cycling, all in a bid to raise funds for Mind Jersey.
They'lll be tackling Ride Across Britain, one of the toughest cycle challenges in the UK and climbing Kilimanjaro, while the rest of their colleagues will be fundraising in the office.
The initiatives are part of Deloitte’s One Million Futures Charity Challenge, where the firm encourages employees to take part in a challenge or fundraising effort of their choosing.
Francis Joven, Manager of Audit and Assurance; Mariska Hartkamp, Assistant Manager and Paul De Louch, Senior Manager at Deloitte will be getting on their bikes to cycle 980-miles in the famous Ride Across Britain (RAB).
Known as one of the UK’s toughest cycle challenges, its route includes an incline of 15,000ft. The longest single day of riding will see participants stay on their bikes for a gruelling 119 miles. The ‘end-to-end’ ride will pass through 23 counties starting from Lands End on 8 September before finishing at John O’Groats nine days later.
Mr Joven said: "The ride is renowned for its breathtaking scenery; from moorlands and hidden green valleys to stunning coastal roads and historic sites - something I am particularly looking forward to, along with the camaraderie among cyclists."
Staying motivated by training together, Francis and Paul have been riding an average of 200 to 300 kilometres a week. Mariska took part in the 2017 London Revolution and has kept her fitness levels up since.
Pictured: Ride Across Britain is considered one of the toughest cycle challenges in the UK.
On 14 September, Rachel Leck will take on a different - but equally tremendous - challenge: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Tanzania volcano is not only the highest peak in Africa but, also the tallest freestanding mountain on earth; crowned with a permanent snow-cap.
Altitude sickness is one of the top reasons people abandon their climb. Highly skilled guides will accompany the climbers on their 10-day trip, navigating a slightly longer route to allow them to acclimatise.
Speaking of her training, Rachel said: "I've previously trekked on school trips in India and Nepal, so thought this was the perfect opportunity to re-challenge myself."
Pictured: Rachel Leck will be tackling Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise money for Mind Jersey.
In addition to these individuals’ adventures, the Deloitte office has been collectively tasked with raising a set amount of money for the charity for a seven week period through September and October - as part of Deloitte’s three-year commitment to Mind Jersey.
Last year, the firm assisted with the launch of a mental health wellbeing survey in both islands, helping the charity gain a better understanding of islanders’ attitude to mental health.
Andy Isham, Partner at Deloitte Jersey, commented: "Supporting the work of Mind Jersey is really important to us. Our One Million Futures initiative aims to help one million people in Britain get to where they want to be; whether it’s in the classroom, the workplace or the boardroom. As part of this, Deloitte in Jersey is mid-way through a three-year partnership agreement with Mind Jersey and we are delighted that some of our colleagues are fundraising for the charity in a variety of different ways during the months ahead.’
The funds raised will provide significant support to Mind Jersey’s anti-stigma campaign - focusing on increasing awareness and acceptance surrounding mental health issues and promoting wellbeing, especially regarding young people.
Mariska Hartkamp, one of the Deloitte RAB team, said: "Mind Jersey is a very worthwhile charity, the work it does to help improve people’s attitude towards mental health is invaluable to the community."
James Le Feuvre, Executive Director of Mind Jersey, welcomed everyone's efforts. "We are very grateful for the support that the team at Deloitte in Jersey continue to bring to our charity, both in raising awareness and also much-needed funds. One of our key priorities during the year ahead is to continue to campaign for increased awareness about, and understanding of, mental ill health and this additional funding will make all the difference in helping us achieve this goal."
Lead photo - from left: James Le Feuvre, Executive Director of Mind Jersey; Rachel Leck, Mariska Hartkamp and Francis Joven.)
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