A few steps closer…

Three weeks have passed since our first post. But activity has been ramping up.

Hopefully all our trekkers have received their Macmillan welcome packs over the past few days.

The packs look great, and contain a raft of information about preparation and the trip itself. Fundraising and training can really now start in earnest. The information from Macmillan is also a reminder of why we are all doing this – to support such an important charity – one that resonates strongly with many of us.

In terms of fundraising, the Nottingham group held a first meeting last week. Ideas mentioned during the meeting included:

·         Summer social events for colleagues, friends and family.

·         Linking fitness events to fundraising. For example, organising evening and weekend walks.

·         Really getting behind the Macmillan Coffee Morning on 27^th September 2013.

·         Engaging with shops and sports events for possible bucket collections.

We have also heard of people organising their own fundraising events, getting involved in Macmillan’s ‘Big Night In’ on 26^th April and even printing business cards and flyers for family and friends so they can learn more about the challenge.

Trekkers have been getting active too. Trips to local gyms seem to have increased, people have been walking and running at weekends, and a couple of the Nottingham group have been going to gruelling circuit sessions.

The wintery weather does not seem to have put anyone off starting their training. In fact, the snow and ice is probably good preparation for what we are likely to face as we climb Kilimanjaro. 

A full training programme for those based in Nottingham is taking shape too.

We know this is not so relevant for Store colleagues who are based a long way from Nottingham, but we will endeavour to summarise the training programme on a regular basis so progress can be followed via this blog.

We would like to hear how all our trekkers are getting on. Feel free to drop us a line, or better still email us your own blog comments. We will upload your thoughts here so they can be shared with everyone.

In addition to this blog, a Facebook group has been set up for participants. Hopefully many of our trekkers will start sharing their thoughts and tips via Facebook as the countdown to January 2014 continues.

Neil Jones, Julie Lawrence

Boots UK community team