Despite off-the-Richter-scale snoring by a team member, temperatures in the 100s, the odd swollen ankle, a suspect iPod playlist, vertiginous climbs, 5am starts, a distinct lack of room service and rudimentary plumbing Greg Ellison and Sarah Sanders have survived a trek into the Grand Canyon to raise £8,425 for Junior Achievement.
Junior Achievement directors Boston Group CEO Greg Ellison and Deloitte Isle of Man partner-in-charge Sarah Sanders were part of a 14-strong group who went on a sponsored trek through the Grand Canyon in May arranged by specialist charity challenge event organisers Global Adventure Challenge.
With a guide likened by Greg to America’s answer to Bear Grylls and with the blessing and support of their respective families the pair, who met all their own travel costs, went on an eight-day fundraising challenge that included a descent into the Indian reservation of Havasupai, famed for having the last post office in the US still serviced by mule train.
Greg explained: ‘It was an amazing week. One of the most challenging events I’ve ever undertaken but like all these things the satisfaction of putting yourself way beyond your comfort zone massively outweighs the short term pain and anxiety.’
Along with memories of waterfalls, breathtaking sunsets and starlit skies the trek was also distinguished by Sarah completing a gruelling 9.6 miles of desert, rock and mountain climbs with, in Greg’s words, ‘a fabulous Jane Fonda-style sprint finish.’
He continued: ‘Our guide Zac was a real all-American guy with a fantastic knowledge of the region. Interestingly, as someone who hopes to use his outdoor expeditions to help young people who have challenges in their life build their self-confidence, communication and team-working skills Zac really “got” Junior Achievement.
‘We met a great bunch of people and thanks to the tremendous support and generosity of colleagues, family and friends Sarah and I have been able to raise £8,425 for Junior Achievement.’
Sarah added: ‘Like Greg I had a fantastic time. The people, the amazing scenery - even having to cope with Greg’s questionable choice of music - made for a really memorable experience, all the more so given that we were raising money for Junior Achievement.
‘As Junior Achievement directors Greg and I know just how much effort the team put into raising money to further their work to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in young people, so we were equally determined to make an effort and go on what was quite a punishing but hugely worthwhile trek.’
‘Foot’-note:
Greg and Sarah won’t be hanging up their walking gear for good, though. Their senior management skills have persuaded the entire group to come to the Isle of Man and take part in the 2013 Parish Walk.
Photo caption - Sarah Sanders, second left and Greg Ellison present their cheque for £8,425 to, left to right, Junior Achievement’s Tina Edge, Kirsty Coffey and Joy Spence. Picture Andrew Barton.
