The Lake District Challenge Information Pack

6-9 October 2016 Take on a Lake District adventure and help conquer meningitis

The Lake District Challenge sees you conquer eight peaks in the Lake District all above 3,000 feet, including the highest mountain in England – Scafell Pike. The Lake District includes 12 of the largest lakes in England and is the country’s biggest national park, covering 885 square miles. Offering spectacular views wrapped up in a serious adventure, the Lake District Challenge promises you a weekend you will never forget. The challenge The challenge is a total of around 31 km (20 miles) split over two walking days, a total walking time of about 18 hours. Between walking there will be plenty of opportunity to rest and enjoy the trip. Whilst this challenge is not designed with specialist trekkers in mind and participants will vary in fitness levels, it is a real physical challenge and will require energy, commitment, a positive attitude and dedication to training.

Suitable for people to take part individually or in a group, it’s the perfect opportunity to get your friends, family or colleagues involved.

Lydia Reed – The Lake District Challenge organiser

“I took part in this challenge in 2015 and it was a truly incredible experience.”

“It was tough and really tested my determination, but with such a high-spirited team, plenty of laughter and a fantastic safety team motivating me throughout, I did it and it was one of the best things I have ever done. Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment when you come down from the final peak and celebrate with the rest of the team.”

“I am really excited to be a part of this challenge in 2016 and I am on hand to guide you through this huge personal challenge. From fundraising ideas to training tips, I am here to take care of all the arrangements, leaving you free to concentrate on walking, enjoying the breath-taking scenery and raising funds to help fight meningitis in the UK.”

“I hope to welcome you to our team soon.”

[email protected] 01453 769021 www.meningitisnow.org/lakedistrict £600 2 | Trek the Lake District can pay for 10 sessions of specialist physiotherapy How to join the Lake District team

To take part in this unforgettable challenge, all you need to do is pay a £75 non- refundable registration fee and raise the minimum sponsorship amount of £500.

Sign up online at www.meningitisnow.org/lakedistrict Sign up by phone at 01453 769021 Request more information at [email protected] Our indispensable safety team – there to help and guide you What’s included? safely through your We take care of all the arrangements throughout the challenge weekend, challenge, while making leaving you free to concentrate on enjoying the experience. your experience one to remember • The support of a qualified mountain leader and experienced safety team • 3 x breakfasts (Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning) • Packed lunches on both walking days (Friday and Saturday) • 3 x evening meals (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) • Accommodation at a local bunkhouse (Thursday, Friday and Saturday night) • Transport during the challenge • Fundraising support and materials to help you reach your pledge • Invitation to one of our training days in the lead up to the challenge • Facebook page for you and your team mates • Training, dietary and equipment tips • 15% Cotswold Outdoor discount

Where do we stay?

We stay in a lovely bunkhouse in Keswick called Denton House which is situated on the edge of Keswick, in the £800 heart of the Lake District National Park.

With a welcoming atmosphere, great can pay for a specialist laptop food, a local pub a short walk away and computer and software for a all eight peaks within easy reach, Denton person left with severe after- House is a great base for the challenge. effects, enabling them to live more independently and prevent isolation through communication.

3 | Trek the Lake District Why support Meningitis Now?

We put people at the heart of everything we do. We exist to save lives and rebuild futures by funding research, raising awareness and supporting people affected by meningitis. Did you know?

• Thirty people a day face the devastation of Meningitis in the UK*.

• Meningitis and septicaemia kill more UK children under-5 than any other infectious disease.

• Many are left with long-term after-effects such as deafness, brain damage and limb loss.

* Estimated annual average cases between 2000 and 2010 for all meningitis types.

KATIE’S Katie Clarke lost her dad to meningitis STORY when she was just nine years old

“My own experience of meningitis was a fair few years ago, when my Dad died from the disease. I was just 9 years old and it was a traumatic time for me and my family. It took me a long time to properly come to terms with it. Now I’m in my late 20s, giving something back to help others affected by meningitis is a positive thing to do! Having run the London Marathon for the charity a few years ago I decided another physical challenge should be on the cards. I chose the ‘Lake District Challenge’. It truly was the experience of a lifetime. Not only was I surrounded by beautiful countryside but I also met the most amazing group of individuals, all with different experiences of meningitis. Some were affected directly, some indirectly, but everyone was incredibly understanding and supportive of others’ reasons for participating in the challenge. The challenge itself is definitely a ‘challenge’ at times, with steep inclines, steeper descents and some pretty daunting and varying terrain - it’s not for the faint hearted. However, the staff and safety team are incredible. With emotions flying high for so many reasons they never fail to encourage you when you’re struggling and to make you smile when you’re not sure you can carry on! I would recommend this challenge to everyone. I found it hard at times, but at every summit the camaraderie and achievement made it well worth it. I laughed more than I imagined possible, cried at least once and made amazing friends, all whilst raising money for a fantastic charity.”

4 | Trek the Lake District Itinerary

Thursday 6 October Total walking time 1700 Arrive at bunkhouse 18hrs approx 1830 Safety team brief 1930 Dinner Total height to climb 2030 Kit Check 24,856ft 2100 Free to explore Keswick or get an early night

Friday 7 October 0630 Breakfast 0800 Begin walk, including: Skiddaw (3,054ft) Helvellyn (3,117ft) Helvellyn Lower Man (3,035ft) 1700 End walk 1930 Dinner

Saturday 8 October 0530 Breakfast 0630 Leave bunkhouse and travel to Wasdale 0800 Begin walk, including: Scafell (3,163ft) Symonds Knott (3,146ft) Scafell Pike (3,209ft) Broad Crag (3,064ft) Ill Crag (3,068ft) 1830 End walk 2000 Dinner and presentation

Sunday 9 October 0800 Breakfast 0900 Team photos 0945 Free to explore Keswick or travel home

5 | Trek the Lake District We are here to help you - FAQs

What is the minimum age requirement? safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their Participants must be 18 years or over on Thursday guidance and instructions. 6 October 2016 to take part in the challenge. What kind of support is there for me? Am I fit enough? Our Events team will be supporting you in the To climb eight peaks in two days you need stamina, run up to the challenge, offering practical advice mental attitude, energy and determination. The to prepare you for the trek and fundraising tips challenge is an intense two days of exercise, so we and ideas. recommend that anyone taking part – no matter During the challenge a fully-qualified safety team how fit you already are - spends some time training will accompany the group. The safety team are beforehand. With the appropriate preparation, experienced mountaineers. There will be a member anyone can complete the challenge successfully. of the safety team at the front of the group and another at the back. There will also be a support What do I need to provide? vehicle stationed at the foot of each mountain in • £75 non-refundable registration fee and pledge case anyone should need to come down from the to raise at least £500 in sponsorship mountains early or is unable to complete the trek. • Travel to/from the Lake District The safety team will be only too happy to answer • Your own kit questions, address any concerns you may have and provide advice throughout the challenge. • Personal travel insurance at your discretion (see Terms & Conditions of Entry for details) How will I raise £500 minimum sponsorship? • Money to pay for extra food, drink or souvenirs It is ok to feel a little anxious about raising during the weekend this amount, but do not worry, once you start, fundraising has a habit of gathering speed and Do I need specialist kit? most people are usually pleasantly surprised at The most important item of kit is a good pair of people’s generosity. sturdy, well broken in walking boots. If you are buying new boots for the challenge, you MUST Fundraising can be fun too! There are many ways break them in well beforehand or you will suffer! to raise money: through your family, friends and colleagues, by organising fundraisers, or by asking The weather in the mountains changes rapidly companies and businesses to support you. You may and can be unpredictable, so you need to come have to do more than ask for names on sponsor equipped for all conditions - a waterproof jacket forms, but do not worry, we will provide you with and over trousers, warm layers, a hat, gloves and detailed fundraising advice and materials. sun protection are all essential. What happens if I can’t raise the Will I have to carry my kit? pledged amount? Your kit should be divided between two bags; a You need to think carefully about how you will raise 25 - 30 litre rucksack that you will take with you the amount. Your signed pledge is a commitment on each walking day and a second bag containing to raise the money. There are many costs involved spare clothing, food etc, which you can leave at the in running the event and, as a charity, we need to bunkhouse. The weather conditions can change ensure we not only raise as much as possible for quickly and dramatically on the peaks, so you will those we support, but also cover costs. need to be prepared for every eventuality. Remember, we are here to help and won’t leave you What if I get an injury on the mountains? on your own. Whether you need fundraising advice Your safety team leader will be first aid qualified or experience unforeseen difficulties, please let us and will carry the appropriate safety kit for this know. We suggest that it is often easier to raise activity. The leader’s primary role is to ensure your sponsorship online through Just Giving or Virgin Money Giving. This means you can email the page 6 | Trek the Lake District to lots of people and don’t have to collect cash as sponsors donate by credit or debit card. saving lives, rebuilding futures

I hope to welcome you to our team Find out more today:

01453 769021 [email protected]