Challenge Yourself

We have been very lucky here at St Vincent's Hospice to receive a fantastic response from our supporters to our 25th Anniversary celebrations and £1m appeal. Fundraising fever has been spreading with lots of new Hospice events and external supporter events being announced, and now it has even spread to our own staff!

One of our brand new events for this year is 'Challenge 25'; an exclusive weekend cycle and trek on the Isle of Arran. One of the first people to sign up for this was our very own Director of Fundraising & Communications Karen Milne. She has jumped at the chance to get her cycling gear on and put pedal to the metal in aid of St Vincent's Hospice.

"After such a long, dark winter I needed something to get me motivated and out into the fresh air; I thought Challenge 25 was a great excuse to get back on my bike and shake the dust off my walking boots. I've lived locally for years but am ashamed to say have never conquered Goatfell and rarely cycle on Arran despite the close proximity. Signing up for Challenge 25 is a great way to get me exercising, attempting a new challenge and raising funds for local patients and their families.

"It's going to be a fantastic weekend - a good luck breakfast at St Vincent's, bus then ferry to Arran before we begin a beautiful cycle to Lochranza for a bit of a celebration dinner. Then on Sunday we cycle to the foot of Goatfell before trekking up and getting the most incredible West coast views, before returning to the Hospice before sunset. What a terrific weekend!"

The team took the opportunity to have some fun with Karen's registration and have made her the official 'face' of Challenge 25. In true fundraising spirit she donned her St Vincent's t-shirt, cycle gear and helmet to have some promotional pictures taken. This being Scotland it was hard to pick a day with sunshine, especially in February, but despite the elements we did the mini photo shoot in the Hospice courtyard in the middle of gale force winds and rain. And even with all that - doesn't she look great!?!

If anyone is inspired by Karen to take part in Challenge 25 please visit www.svh.co.uk for the booking form. Our information evening is at the Hospice on Thursday 21st Feb at 6.30pm, and everyone is invited to come for coffee and cake and to hear more about this amazing event from the organisers: Sport Ecosse Events.