Thanks for visiting the Team Lorica fundraising page!

Team Lorica, consisting of Craig Stokes, Peter Jones, Kim Simmonds and Michael Coatman took part in Oxfam's Trailtrekker challenge in May 2009, with the support of Amanda Wilson, Allan Hutchins and Doug Hutchins.

TRAILTREKKER 2009 was one of the world's greatest team endurance events. Our challenge was to walk a 100km trail in less than 30 hours. Teams had to start together, stick together and finish together.

The Oxfam TRAILTREKKER was not only a physical challenge, but also a fundraising challenge as our participation meant we are committed to raising at least £2,000 to help some of the world's poorest people.

The 30 hour challenge in the Yorkshire Dales proved to be harder than we could ever have imagined. The scorching daytime heat, unbelievably steep hill climbs and incredibly tough terrain pushed us to, and in some case beyond, our physical capabilities.

Following a testing 10 hour drive up toYorkshire, a carb filled meal prepared by Oxfam, a thorough kit check and a few restless hours of sleep in our tents, the big day was upon us.

After a quick breakfast, we headed for the crowded start line for our 7:00am start and this was it....the long awaited moment had arrived.

Stage one, which took us along a picturesque canal and through reasonably flat fields, in a cool early morning spell, lulled us all into a false sense of security. Before long and all in high spirits, we met up with our fantastic support crew at checkpoint 1, where we had plently of food and refreshments waiting for us. At this point we had no idea of what was ahead of us before we met up with the support crew again.

Stage two tested our bodies to the absolute limit. Every time we reached, what we thought was the top of a hill, a larger peak loomed. That was until we caught the distant sight of Pen'Y'Ghent, the highest point of our trek. This mountain, one of the Yorkshire Dales' three peaks, was going to be the ultimate challenge. After a long steep descent to the bottom of Pen'Y'Ghent, testing our knees to the limit, a quick water stop was all that stood between us and this incredible climb.

We weren't taking the easy route. The trail lead us up the steepest part of the mountain and at times we were rock climbing, with nothing but a sheer drop beneath us. The great sense of achievement we got at the top of the peak, was one that we had deserved and worked hard for. Surely nothing could test us more along the trail.

However, the feeling was short lived and the long steep decline over painful rocky terrain proved just as difficult in its own way. By the time we finally reached our support team at checkpoint 2, our bodies were really feeling the effects of the terrain and emotions were running high.

However, the support team did an unbelievable job in raising our spirits and re-fuelled us with a sense of belief, while the Oxfam volunteers did a fantastic job at patching up those ever growing blisters.

With a renewed sense that 'we could do this', we headed off again as a team of four. The grassy flatter terrain gave our bodies a well needed chance to recover, as the sun started to set. Kim's enthusiasm through adversity pushed us on through the next two water stops, half way to our next checkpoint.

But as the sun finally disappeared and we reached the last water stop at the 60km mark, before meeting our crew, Craig became the first casualty of the conditions. Nausea and shivering were the results of sun stroke caused by the immense heat we had been up against all day. He was taken to the next checkpoint to be checked over by the doctor, while the remaining three bravely soldiered on.

Despite a mix up with support crew going to the wrong checkpoint, they managed to arrive at Checkpoint 3, just as the remaining team of walkers arrived. A quick bite to eat and repairs to feet and it was off again, now walking in pitch black conditions with the aid of head torches.

The next stage, leading to Checkpoint 4 was less of a physical challenge and more of a mental one. The long flat terrain was starting to take its toll on the team emotionally and they were more than ready to see the support team by the time the sun came up at the final checkpoint.

Porridge provided by the support crew was much needed in an aim to push the remaining three through the remaining miles and across the line. But the team were really starting to struggle physically as well as mentally. Pete and Michael were struggling with knee problems, while Kim was in unbearable pain from her feet. But despite this, they were determined to give it their all.

One final goodbye and good luck from the support crew saw them head off to the start/finish point where they would hopefully see the team complete this incredible challenge.

We were in contact with Kim by phone and it was obvious that she was struggling both emotionally and physically, but she has incredible determination. Thats what made the news that she had been forced to retire, with only 5 miles to go, so hard to take. The effort she showed to get that far was an inspiration to us all.

But with Kim on her way to first aid and Pete and Michael well behind the required time, it was going to take something remarkable to get them across that finish line in under 30 hours.

The drive and determination shown by Pete and Michael in stepping up the pace, was that 'remarkable something' required. Kim, Craig and the support crew were ready at the finish line with the champagne and the moment that Pete and Michael walked round the corner with only a few minutes to spare, made the whole experience worthwhile. They had not only done it for themselves, but they completed it for the team.

The effort shown by all 4 walkers and the support given by the support crew, over the 30 hours, was something that may never be experienced again. Everyone in the team should be extremely proud of what they achieved in the Yorkshire Dales.

Now back to reality, the extent of our achievement on the funraising front is clear to see. With over £3000 raised for Oxfam, we hope that our efforts make a difference to those who really need it.

We would like to wish a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored  the team. The money you have donated and the support you have shown helped us every step of the way along Trailtrekker 2009.

The Trailtrekker team would like to wish a special thank you to the following for their support;

W&S Recycling - For their provision of transport for the event

Aegon - For their support both financially and with the Fundraising Evening

Chris and Fiona at the Pottery Pub - For hosting the Fundraising Evening

The website will remain open until mid August for donations and any extra sponsorship will make a real difference to those who need it;

Any money you donate really does make a huge difference to the lives of the people that need it !!!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the
most efficient way to sponsor us: Oxfam gets your money faster and, if
you're a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3%
supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us today!

Many Thanks for your support....

Craig, Pete, Kim, Amanda, Allan, Doug and Michael

__________________________________________

Offline sponsors / pledges;

Aegon Scottish Equitable - £175 (PAID 16/07/2009)

Scottish Widows - £50 (PAID 10/03/2009)

Jade Sparke - £20 (PAID ONLINE - AS PART OF QUIZ NIGHT DONATION)

Derek Jones - £20 (PLEDGED)

Carl Trimmer - £5 (PLEDGED)

Michelle Elsdon - £20 (PLEDGED)

Clive Martin - £50 (PLEDGED)