Celebrating another phenomenal fundraising year at Westcoast
Published date: 16 January 2024
Plus: What’s in store for 2024
We are delighted to report the results of our fundraising efforts in 2023. Activities to support the valuable work of our ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2023, Mind, saw the team at Westcoast take on walking, cycling and hiking challenges alongside a number of in-office fundraising days. Our collective efforts successfully raised £8,500 which, with Westcoast matched funding, saw us achieve a fantastic grand total of £17,000.
Mind: Our 2023 Charity of the Year
Mind is a mental health charity covering England and Wales. It provides support over the phone and services in the community, while raising awareness and promoting wider understanding of mental health.
Going ultra
In May, eight intrepid team members [Jack Bryant, Nick Caines, Braydon Corrigan, Paul Dyson, Lucy House, Lauren Illsey, Hannah Prior and Millie Randall] took on the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge. They hiked no less than 100 km from Corfe Castle to the Bridport finish line via Swanage and Lulworth Cove, over 28 hours, navigating the challenges of the coast path along the way. Event co-organiser, Nick Achilleos said:
“Everyone in the team showed incredible strength, mental fortitude, and resilience to get them over that finish line. I could not be prouder of every single one of the team.”
Thames Trek
In unseasonably warm September temperatures of over 30°C, seven Westcoast and Westcoast Cloud volunteers [Andrea Bowyer, Charlotte Canning, Dan Harris, Hannah Kingston, Emma Owens, Emma Sines and Ryan Ward] took on the challenge of battling their way across sixteen of London’s iconic bridges. Their 25km challenge kicked off heading east from Putney Bridge to the finish line at Tower Bridge. According to Andrea, “It was very hot and much harder because of it.”
Ups and (South) Downs
In September David Cheese achieved a 55-mile bike ride from London’s Clapham Common to Brighton pier. David said all the steep South Downs inclines and sharp climbs meant, "It was a long and difficult, yet rewarding, day as expected… Thank you so much again to everyone who’s donated. I’m absolutely humbled by the support I’ve received.”
Festive fancy dress
As 2023 drew to a close, the Westcoast team entered into the spirit of the season of giving. Wearing Christmas jumpers (plus added tinsel, antlers, and festive hats), to raise further funds for Mind. It’s been so rewarding to feel we’ve played our part and contributed to ensuring that the right support is available through Mind’s services.
Gearing up to make (even more) impact in 2024
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has given their time, effort, donations, or team spirit – and helped to make such a positive impact for Mind – this year.
We can’t wait to see what we can achieve together for our 2024 Charity of the Year, which we are delighted to announce is, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Every day, around 750 seriously ill children and young people from across the UK are seen at GOSH. We are hoping to raise as much as possible in 2024 to support the charity in giving seriously ill children the best chance to fulfil their potential.
