Fundraising and making memories with the team

The team at Trust Payments challenged themselves to a 28-mile ride, 2-mile canoe and 11-mile hike in aid of a cause close to their hearts: the Turner Syndrome Support Society (TSSS). One of the team has a daughter with Turner Syndrome, so supporting the charity had a personal connection. 

Extreme heat meant the original hike had to be adapted, but the challenge certainly wasn’t made easier. Instead, we guided the team up Helvellyn via the shorter but tougher route over the iconic Swirral Edge. With a real mix of ages and abilities, it was a challenging day, but everyone showed incredible determination and kept morale high throughout. 

>> Goal 

Every year, Trust Payments takes on a fundraising challenge. Having already completed the Three Peaks Challenge and other events with different providers, this year they wanted something a little more bespoke. 

Importantly, they wanted an experience they could share together. Previous events had seen the group spread out along the route, missing some of the conversations and shared moments they were looking for. This time, the goal was to genuinely connect with each other in a way that simply doesn’t happen in an office. 

Chelse from Trust Payments explained: 

“We all enjoy hiking but wanted to do something a little different this year and incorporate other activities, which is why we went with the triathlon-style event. 

What really attracted us was the flexibility around group size. A lot of other events had minimums of 50 or 100 people, so we’d just be a small group within a much bigger event. The fact we could do this as our own group, with the guides, and stay within budget was the real selling point. 

We had colleagues from different parts of the business, as well as clients, partners and suppliers. It was a great opportunity to build those relationships. The intimacy really made a difference. It was just us and the guides, so we could really connect. The whole experience felt much more personal. It genuinely felt like we had the mountain to ourselves.” 

>> Experience 

From a heatwave to thunderstorms, the weather added another level to an already challenging day, affecting the pace, route and logistics. It’s exactly why we have multiple safety and logistical plans in place. 

Helvellyn was the mountain goal. With the warm conditions, we switched to the punchier route via Swirral Edge, which also gave us access to streams to top up water. The heat meant a slower pace, longer breaks and some very welcome opportunities to cool off. 

For Chelse, one of the highlights came on the water: 

“Getting off the kayaks and having a little swim in the lake to cool down was brilliant. We were all laughing trying to get back on the kayaks and watching everyone else do the same. It felt surreal thinking we were all together in this beautiful lake in the Lake District and would probably never have that exact moment again. The day was a mix of emotions, weather and adventure and we thought it was brilliant.” 

Later in the day, thunderstorms meant sitting tight for an hour in the sailing centre before the team could tackle their final leg. They then braved the rain for the ride back to the finish. Waiting for them was Brian, our trusty caterer, with a well-earned BBQ for a very hungry team.

Reflecting afterwards, Chelse said: 

“What we loved was the variety. Whilst the challenge was gruelling, it kept the day interesting and we were able to stick together despite different fitness levels and breaks. After every activity, we regrouped and started the next one together. No one was left wondering how everyone else was doing. We stayed together as a team all day, which felt really special. We all agreed we would definitely do something like this again. We absolutely loved it!” 

>> Impact 

We asked Chelse what impact the challenge had on the team: 

“We all ended up huddled in a little classroom when the heavens opened. We were tired and running out of steam, but there was this shared realisation: we were all knackered, but we were all in it together and had one leg left. We were doing it for a great cause, the camaraderie was still there and spirits were high. It was basically, ‘Come on, one more leg. We can do this.’ It felt like a really special shared moment.” 

Ben, our Managing Director, who guided on the day, described it as: 

“A mammoth day but really enjoyable. The determination and atmosphere the team brought with them was brilliant and made it a great day out.” 

>> Feedback 

We caught up with Chelse after the challenge to hear what she thought of the support from The Adventure Element: 

“From start to finish, including the preparation call, the service was brilliant and we always felt in safe hands. The kit list was comprehensive, all our questions were answered and communication was excellent. 

On the day, the instructions were clear and precise, but it never felt like we were at school with a strict teacher, it felt like we were part of the team. The whole experience was really personal and, as a result, the challenge didn’t feel daunting in the way some previous events had. Throughout the day, the team were constantly checking in and making sure everyone was okay and had what they needed. No one ever felt ignored or unsafe. I really can’t praise the team enough. It just felt like we were with the right company.”