Sussex Accountants Set to Embark on a Highland Adventure

A team of seven intrepid explorers from Sussex are set to take part in a highland adventure race, in aid of the Mitchemp Trust, on 24-25th September 2011.  Members of staff from Spofforths Chartered Accountants and some of the firm’s clients will compete in the rugged terrain and beauty of the Scottish Highlands.  Six of them will cycle, hike and canoe 60 miles in 24 hours, from east to west Scotland, in an effort to be crowned winner of the Invesco Perpetual Highland Adventure Race.  The seventh team member will provide support by looking after equipment, setting up camp and ensuring there is plenty of food and water.

Around 30 teams are expected to take part in the challenge which includes climbing Ben Nevis, the highest point in the UK at just under 5,000ft.  A trophy will be awarded to the fastest team, and there are prizes for the teams that achieve the highest fundraising totals.  ‘Team Spofforths’ aim to raise £4,000 and they have already secured £400.  Michael Fowler, a Chartered Financial Planner at Spofforths Storrington office, is heading up the team.   He will be joined by Client Manager Aaron Knight, based in Chichester, and Trainee Accountant Jake Standing who works at the Worthing office.  Felise Osborne from the Brighton team will provide support during the challenge.

Michael Fowler is looking forward to the challenge and said: “We decided to enter the race with some valued clients and help raise funds for the Mitchemp Trust.  It’s a charity which helps to give young people the hope, confidence and life skills to meet challenges in their lives.  We are delighted that Andrew Sweet from BioDot and Rob Searle from Tangmere Airfield Nurseries will be taking part with us.  The six of us are training hard as we are determined to come first.  We have already been on three 40 mile bike rides and spent time canoeing along Chichester Ship Canal.

“On day one of the race we will be mountain biking from Inverness castle along the length of Loch Ness, then canoeing through the Caledonian Canal.  Day two will be really tough as we have to hike up and down Ben Nevis.  It will be a great experience and a fantastic achievement for us all.  We just hope that people will come forward and donate ahead of the race.  We have set up an online fundraising page for anyone who wishes to show their support.  They can visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/olddogs and make a donation with ease. Any support is greatly appreciated.”

More information about Spofforths can be found by clicking here

Race details can be found online at www.highlandrace.co.uk

Mark Davey, Director of the Mitchemp Trust, is delighted that Spofforths are taking part and commented: “Without the hard work and commitment that the Spofforths team are giving to this race and their fundraising we would not be able to provide life changing opportunities for some of the UK’s most disadvantaged young people.  The children we work with are at risk and often seen as failing, but by giving them confidence, self-esteem and inspiring them to achieve we provide them with the opportunity for a better future.  We receive no government funding and therefore the support of Spofforths and other teams is vital for our work to continue.”