An intrepid team from leading construction firm BAM Nuttall are soon to take to the hills in a mountainous effort to challenge poverty.
The team will be taking on the ultimate UK mountain challenge in support of overseas aid and development agency CARE International- the CARE 24 Peaks Challenge. Taking place on 30-31 May, the challenge, which is exclusively for teams from the construction industry, will take teams up 24 mountain peaks in 24 hours around the stunning Lake District, including England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.
The Bam Nuttall colleagues are currently working on the 2012 Olympics site, from investigation, demolition and remediation works, an infrastructure project and also will be managing forthcoming landscaping works so have really taken the park through its lifecycle change. They have now decided to take a break from the building site and head for the great outdoors in search of a completely different kind of challenge.
Says Team Leader Rob Millard, “We wanted to get involved with a fundraising event that is actually a challenge rather than a walk in the park. It is difficult at the best of times to try and raise money for sponsorship, but at the moment it is only those people who believe in making a difference and helping others who make donations.”
Taking on 24 mountain peaks in 24 hours is no mean feat, and Rob’s team have already begun training. “Individual training has already begun- still based around long work days of course. We are having a trial day walk to see how people get on pace wise and reading maps. Everyone is really looking forward to the event, the aspect of competing against others and the added bonus of another BAM Nuttall team to compete with. It is also a great reason to see more of the Lake District, albeit quickly and a bit up and down!”
Rob’s team are hoping to raise at least £6,000 for CARE. CARE works in around 70 countries helping 55 million of the world’s poorest people find a route out of poverty. Says Rob, “We feel CARE’s approach to aid is such a beneficial way of helping others, as they are encouraging people to become self sufficient, and providing education rather then handouts that can be abused.”
The work of CARE seems to strike a chord amongst the construction industry, with teams already signing up for the challenge. CARE’s projects include some of the most remarkable construction projects in the world: Emergency shelter for victims of natural disasters. Rebuilding schools or constructing health centres in poor communities. Temporary shelter for families whose homes and lives have been devastated by war. The 24 Peaks challenge offers teams from the construction industry in the UK the opportunity to be a part of this.
Rob’s team are looking for support for their challenge. “We’d like to thank everyone who has already supported us. And for those wavering, we urge them to assist in any way possible. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/special_bam_projects and any support would be greatly appreciated. People can help from the comfort of their desks and we’ll do the hard work!”