We’ve made it to Lapland!
31 days. 2,149 miles. And all thanks to the hard work and dedication of 18 members of the Page Kirk team.
You may remember that we have been walking, cycling and running to help the charity When You Wish Upon a Star, which grants the wishes of children living with a life-threatening illness. And because one of the most exciting trips possible is to go and visit Santa in Lapland, we decided we were going to travel the equivalent distance!
From our social media posts, it may have seemed as though the challenge worked flawlessly with no setbacks, but we have to be honest. Not everything went quite as smoothly as planned. Towards the second half of the challenge, the team suffered a handful of minor injuries and a few broken bikes. Some team members had the added pressure of looming exams.
As a result, we found that we were behind schedule. Eeek! But since the team had come this far, this dedicated bunch was not going to be defeated in the final week! Everyone pulled out all the stops and worked as a team to ensure we achieved our overall objective. We actually finished a day early, on Sunday 30th August at 17.58 when Jess ran the last 0.2 miles down to the beach!
If you want a sense of just how worthwhile this cause is, you only have to look at the story of Oliver. He was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of seven and went through three-and-a-half years of treatment. Oliver spent so much time in hospital during treatment, his wish was to spend quality time with his parents and younger sister. He loves to ski, so When You Wish Upon a Star sent him and his family on a trip of a lifetime to the slopes in Austria.
Archie, a 10 year old boy, lives with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome – a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. When You Wish Upon a Star arranged for him and his family to head off on a trip of a lifetime to Walt Disney World in Florida. Archie's mum Laura told the charity It was so nice to forget the world for a little and just enjoy being a family having fun!
Unfortunately, with the pandemic causing uncertainty and disruption for all organisations – but especially charities – When You Wish Upon a Star has been unable to plan or host any fundraising events. The charity was also unable to host its 30th birthday celebration. Perhaps most worrying of all, the Covid-19 crisis meant the cancellation of a lot of their planned once-in-a-lifetime trips abroad for the children, such as meeting their favourite Disney characters in Florida or going to visit Santa in Lapland. With such terrible news, we thought the 2,149 Miles for Wishes campaign was a great way of both raising money for the charity and raising awareness and recognition of a truly remarkable cause, which deserves everyone's support.
Throughout the challenge, both we and the charity have been impressed by the support and generosity from fellow team members and the public. We hope that the money raised will help to offer a child the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on a real Lapland adventure to see Santa, once we eventually reach some form of normality.
Nicola Brien of When You Wish Upon a Star
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all the brilliant employees of Page Kirk. You have all been incredible. We've seen your amazing smiles as you've completed your miles and the money you have raised will add so much magic to the lives of children living with life threatening illnesses when it's needed more than ever.”
Here is what a few of the Page Kirk athletes had to say about the virtual adventures:
“I have found the challenge refreshing as it has been a great mood lifter for me. I have loved running outdoors and getting back to nature again. In just a month I can run faster and do longer distances. Even though at the start of the challenge, I only planned to run for the month, I will be running continuously going forward as it's something I really enjoy. It also spurred me on to sign up for a marathon!”
Lucy Parker
Superpower: Passionate about the things that make for a truly amazing client experience.
“Wow! What a challenge this has been, and I am so proud of the team for what we have achieved. It has really taught me that I can do anything with a little bit of determination. Jack definitely put me through my paces on my longest bike ride, which was 24 miles, but knowing that it was for such a good cause got me through it! I have loved getting out on my bike again and will definitely be keeping it up after the challenge ends.”
Steph Gubas
Superpower: Helping growing businesses create slick, streamlined financial functions.
“So I feel a bit sad that it's coming to an end. It's gone so quickly! I've really enjoyed getting out on my bike, as I've had it two years and barely ridden it, so it's been nice getting some practice and even better that it's all been for such a good cause. I do regret trying to go for a run as I think I pulled every muscle in my legs and was in pain for a few days! Really pleased we smashed the target!”
Jessica Maddams
Superpower: Helping you to manage deadlines and file your information correctly and on time.
“I have never been so pleased to see the last day of August before!! The last 31 days have been amazing. All the team support, the messages in our group chat. It really pulls you together. Especially when we can't be together in real life to do it, there are some days you might not be bothered or the weather isn't great, but when you see one of your team has gone and made an effort, it makes you go out. I have learnt from this challenge if you are going on a walk, look at a map of where you are going first! Getting lost in a wood when all the paths look the same, and the passing walkers are people you passed a couple of hours ago, that's when you know you have gone wrong! A quote my Dad always said: 'first identify your route'. That must have been one of my toughest walks whist doing the challenge, encountering VERY steep hills. That said, it has been an amazing challenge to complete, well done to us all. I'm sure when you get to Lapland you are meant to meet Santa??? Maybe he's busy just at the moment! Thank you to all the sponsors. What's the next challenge?”
Amanda Willis
Superpower: Going above and beyond to ensure you get that amazing client experience.
“I have found this challenge far more difficult than I thought I would, I have had an injury, but in my heart I could not give up, knowing what we were wanting to achieve. I have surprised myself with how far I have come. So proud of myself and the whole Page Kirk team.”
Samantha O'Hara
Superpower: Helping you avoid unexpected bills by managing deadlines and paying invoices in time.
“I definitely have a new respect for cyclists on the road! I didn't expect to cycle as many miles as I did, and didn't think it was possible, but it is mind over matter. My legs need a good few days off cycling but I'm hoping to continue in the week, to get out of the everyday routine and out into the countryside. The challenge has really brought everyone together and I'm so proud of how we have worked as a team. I didn't quite realise how much time the challenge would take up. We have only been under pressure for the last 31 days and given up our free time, whereas these families the charity helps go weeks, months and years with consistent treatment and hospital appointments and dealing with illness. Thank you to everyone that has liked and shared our challenge on social media and for all the sponsorship.”
Rebekah Gough
Superpower: Helping you find the perfect advisor for you and your business.
The team are trying to raise £1,000 for When You Wish Upon a Star. Please click here if you would like to support the team by visiting their fundraising page.