On Monday 7th October I attended a fundraising event at the White Horse Birstall to celebrate an amazing £7400 raised for Jades Retreat Charity.
26 members of staff climbed at least one (some did two or even up to five) of the highest peaks in the UK, namely Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. And the big one! A group of 10 also attempted to scale all three and travel in between in just 24 hours. The mountains were climbed in the allocated times but unfortunately a 5-hour diversion scuppered their chance of overall success. The challenges took place between August 28th through to September 24th this year.
26 members of staff climbed at least one (some did two or even up to five) of the highest peaks in the UK, namely Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. And the big one! A group of 10 also attempted to scale all three and travel in between in just 24 hours. The mountains were climbed in the allocated times but unfortunately a 5-hour diversion scuppered their chance of overall success. The challenges took place between August 28th through to September 24th this year.
As well as the team building aspect of these challenges, the aim was to raise much needed funds for a local Birstall charity called Jade’s retreat. The charity was set up in memory of Jade who tragically died aged 21 from cancer. Jade’s retreat is much more than a caravan by the sea, it was Jade’s dying wish to create a space to offer much needed rest bite for families with children suffering from cancer or that have special educational needs. Two causes close to Jade’s heart. The yearly running cost of Jades retreat are now at an all-time high of £6200 so that amount was set as a target. Paul Clements, the instigator of the challenge said “We are thrilled to report that we exceeded that and raised £7408.64 ensuring this much needed bolt hole can operate for another year.”
Maisie Doyle, team member, who climbed each of the peaks individually said “I really enjoyed doing the Three Peaks climbs as it felt good to challenge myself. It was also amazing to work as a team supporting each other on the climbs, as well as working together with the general fundraising efforts. Doing this challenge in aid of the incredible Jade’s Retreat charity made the tougher bits all the more worth while and I hope that our efforts can help families in the near future”
The money raised has come from a Promise action which raised £1400, a raffle £1300, games and Yard sale as well as a just giving campaign and personal sponsorships.
Jackie from Jades retreat said “When Paul & the team at the White Horse said they wanted to help fund raise to help towards the cover of the costs- which is over £6,000 a year, we were overwhelmed by their kindness. To climb the mountains in some not great weather was truly an inspiration- wherever I went in the village everyone was saying how amazing it is! It really brought our community together & all their hard work; planning & commitment has just been inspiring!
Picture below, Jackie Ward of Jades Retreat (second left)with friends family and myself)
Alongside this they held an auction & raffle so a massive thank you to everyone who donated & bided or brought raffle tickets. Jades’ legacy lives on through Jades Retreat & for that I will be forever grateful & to Paul, Charlotte, Jim & team at the White Horse for all you have achieved to maintain it going for next year.”
The White Horse would also like to thank taxi company Take me Birmingham, who through a random act of great kindness paid for the 24-hour challenge minibus hire. Thanks to Charnwood commercial bodies for supplying the team fleeces which were a godsend as the temperature dropped as the teams climbed higher. Thanks to Trust Inns for funding the £100 cash raffle prize and to all the companies and individuals who supported us with prizes and promises; namely, Birstall MOT centre, Leicester Riders, Unique Hair, Birstall Golf club, Hair addiction, The Dance academy, Katies Characters, Bark and Brew, Mountsorrel, KA Beauty, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits centre, Haus of Beauty, Birstall Garden centre, RT’s Café, Versa Laxman and Anna Beams. The climbs wouldn’t have been possible without the support team too, Driver Nick, and guides Ady, Steve and Neil.
Fun facts
The team climbed a total of 64 mountains between them
The team hiked 64339 meters above sea level, equal to 8 Everests
The team hiked over 800KM (around 500 miles) which would be from Leicester to Paris.
So far in 2024 the White Horse team have raised £18’379.89 for charity
About Jades Retreat
Jades Retreat was set up 11 years ago in memory of our daughter/sister when she passed over from bone cancer at the age of 21. She was at De Montfort University studying & worked 2 days a week in a SEN school (which she loved) but at 19 she was told she only had 18 months to live! We were all totally distraught; but Jadey never complained & was the most courageous & bravest person I have ever come across. The first thing she did when she was diagnosed- was hold a ball to raise money for the teenage cancer ward & raised over £1,000 & she tried to fit in as much as she could & fight the disease.
But devastatingly she died just after her 21st birthday as we watched her take her last breath; our hearts were truly broken. But through her courage she always helped others; so the fund raising started to buy a caravan by the sea-at Heacham Norfolk for families effected by cancer. So many families have benefited from this & made memories that cannot be taken away.
Jade pictured below
Jades Retreat in Heacham
28/08/24 Ben Nevis Team, left to right -Charlotte Foy, Rhiannon Toon, Maisie Doyle, George Maycock, Alfie Hayward, Thanisha Laxman, Hannah Bettany, Sophie Hall.
The Three Peak team 3/9/24 Left to right – Ady Doyle, Tom Doyle, Dilan Laxman, Neil Clarke, James McMillan, Joe McMillan, Steve Lemmon, Tom Beames, Joe Weetman, James Foy & Molly Gold.
Scaffell Pike Team 10/9/24 Neil Clarke, Emily Humphry, Zoe White, Megan Adcock, Maisie Doyle, Hannah Bettany, Ady Doyle, Thanisha Laxman
The Snowdon Team 24/9/24 Left to right George Maycock, Jenny Gallie, Millie Hayward, Josh Geary, Beccy Kay, Paul Clements, Alfie Hayward, Hannah Bettany, Maisie Doyle.
Home – The White Horse Pub Birstall (thewhitehorsebirstall.co.uk)
