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

Our ‘Team Boots’ Kilimanjaro adventure for Macmillan Cancer Support starts now!

This seems like a pretty momentous day in our Kilimanjaro preparations. Thursday 7^th March 2013.

It's a key time for people to pay their personal contributions and ‘sign on the dotted line’. And today we are getting most of the Support Office group together for the first “get to know you meeting” and idea sharing session.

We are looking forward to getting to know a lot of new faces, today, over the coming months, and during the trip itself.

Since the challenge was launched in January there has been a lot of reading of blogs, watching of online videos, and generally comparing thoughts on the task ahead of us.

To be honest, despite this research we are not sure how this compares to other Kilimanjaro expeditions. But our aim of getting 60+ Boots colleagues from across the UK to Tanzania, to the foot of the mountain, and ready for the biggest physical challenge most will ever experience, does feel pretty big.

It does all seem a bit daunting at this stage. Kilimanjaro is a colossal 5,895m (19,341ft). Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s highest mountains. Plus, we have started to learn about the affects of altitude sickness, not to mention the very basic camping arrangements in sub zero temperatures. It all sounds a bit severe! Hopefully we will all get on okay.

However, despite all these slightly nervous thoughts, there is still a real sense of excitement and enthusiasm.

Back on 23rd January several of us remarked on the significance of the date. In exactly twelve months time our group of store colleagues will have completed their adventure and it should be summit day for the Support Office contingent.

We can’t wait for January 2014, but we know we have a lot to do between now and then, including a huge amount of fundraising and training. Each of us has committed to raising £4,450 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

We are already grateful for the support of family, friends, and colleagues, and know that this will spur us on.

We also know that many people have been driven to sign up because of the work that Boots UK has been doing with Macmillan over the past three years. The partnership has already had some impressive successes, and we look forward to contributing a bit more ourselves.

Many of us have very strong personal reasons for supporting our work with Macmillan. We are sure that this ethos will drive us forward even when things get a bit tough over the coming months. Our Macmillan colleagues are certainly proud of what we are doing and very grateful for our efforts and commitment.

Some Boots participants have got off to a great start. We are already hearing some impressive stories of early fundraising. And a few people have already started their training programme. No pressure for the rest of us! 

Overall, it really feels like ‘Team Boots’ and the ‘Kilimanjaro Challenge 2014’ all starts now.

We look forward to posting our thoughts on this blog and sharing some key information about our challenge. Please check back for updates.

We would welcome contributions from colleagues taking part in the challenge. Please contact the Boots UK Community Team by email or phone for further information.

So, roll on January 2014! It really feels like the journey and the adventures start now.

Bring it on!

Neil Jones, Julie Lawrence

Boots UK community team

Meet Gareth Lloyd

Name: Gareth Lloyd

Department: Loyalty Marketing

What are you reasons for doing this challenge? I enjoy a challenge and challenges don’t come much bigger than this! Having lost both my mother and my father in law to cancer with the last 7 years, I am very keen to support Macmillan and to raise awareness for the fantastic support that they give.

Do you have any Top Tips (e.g. fundraising, training)?

Fund-raising   - re-acquaint yourself with lots of old friends and relatives!

Meet Daniel Le-Hane

Name: Daniel Le-Hane

Store location: Sheffield Crystal Peaks

What are you reasons for doing this challenge? To help support a great charity, many people suffer from or help support somebody fighting cancer and the thought that I can be a part of this charity and people get help or inspiration from the hard work I am putting in fundraising and training makes it all worthwhile for me.

Do you have any Top Tips (e.g. fundraising, training)?

Fundraising ideas so far,

*Car boot sale, get rid of all that old tat!

*Fancy dress

*Charity walk/bike ride

*Coffee afternoon

*Exercise bike in store and encourage donations in return for your distance travelled

*Raffle for food hamper, ask for food donations from friends/family/colleagues and make a hamper out of it then raffle of the hamper

*Bag packing at local supermarket

*Pub quiz evening

*Share on social networking sites as much as you can

Meet Morag Punton

Name: Morag Punton

Department: Superintendent’s Office within Professional Standards

What are you reasons for doing this challenge? Cancer touches so many people and Macmillan is such a valuable charity, providing lifelines to people that need help. So far I have been fortunate enough not to need them first hand but you never know when you or your family might need them! With the number of people with cancer set to reach 4 million by 2030, I feel passionate about making sure I do everything I can to help.

Do you have any Top Tips (e.g. fundraising, training)?

  Fundraising-wise: I’ve paired up with one of the other climbers Claire Nevinson to organise some activities in local restaurants and the cookery school. Finding people that are keen to support in this way helps you with all of the organising. We’ve been blown away by people’s generosity. Also we’ve been amazed at how smaller activities like cake sales and quizzes on team days can make money and it soon adds up!

Training-wise: probably not the best person to ask. I have a training plan to do 2 sessions at the gym each week (so far averaging 1, but that is 1 more than I did before!), trying to get out for some long walks, and plan in a few hills etc. Doing some swimming too and desperately hoping that the combination comes together to make me fit in time for 16^th January 2014!

Meet Cate Reynolds

Name: Cate Reynolds

Department: In Store Marketing

What are you reasons for doing this challenge? I love a challenge and I love Macmillan, what a combo!

Do you have any Top Tips (e.g. fundraising, training)?  I will be walking everywhere before we go (lots of meetings in D90East!) plus lots of strength work especially on the legs!!

Meet Brook Edmunds

Name:  Brook Edmunds

Location: Basingstoke (but part of Nottingham team)

Why are you doing this challenge: To raise profile and cash for Macmillan, a charity that has supported members of 
my family

Do you have any Top Tips (e.g. fundraising, training)? Communicating with family and friends. Engage the people you work with and take all the help and support on offer! I have planned the year and set smaller goals throughout the year so I know I will hit the final target.