Outstanding effort from our team on the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge

On 13th and 14th May, nine Westcoast employees participated in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge to raise money for Mind. This mental health charity supports individuals with mental health problems and promotes public awareness to better understand the issues relating to mental health. The team fundraised an impressive £4636 which has been matched by Westcoast, making a total of £9272 raised for the cause.

The challenging hike started at Corfe Castle, headed to Swanage along the Lulworth Cove, and onto the finish line at Bridport. There were many ups and downs during the 100 km trek.

“Having been an avid hiker for more years than I can remember, I knew how serious this challenge was going to be for me and everyone who signed up for it. Completing a challenge of this magnitude takes far more planning and preparation than you’d think. Arranging the logistics and preparing a team of reasonably novice hikers took a lot of time, but it was worth it to watch everyone push themselves to their absolute limits and still pull through.

There were points during the walk where some team members were clearly in a very dark place, whether severe pain from blisters, mental barriers, or pure deliriousness from the lack of sleep. 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. Seeing their beaming smiles as they crossed the finish line was more rewarding to me than completing the challenge myself.”
– Nick Caines, organising team member.

For Lauren Illsley, the most challenging part was the inclines: over 2,300 meters of climb throughout, with the last 3 kms no doubt being the hardest. Lucy House also found this a challenging endeavour, yet an experience she’s thrilled to have completed and fully recommends – with the support of an incredible team.

Paul Dyson was clearly delighted to have achieved his goal of completing this hike, sprinting over the finishing line. He showed that no matter how hard and how long you push yourself, you can always find the strength to go further. Paul’s also proud to have exceeded his fundraising target.

Jack Bryant would love to do it all again – but only after he recovers from this tough yet inspirational experience. Braydon Corrigan is already planning a 50 km race later in the year.

Mind is Westcoast’s charity of choice for 2023. The goal is to raise £25,000. During Mental Health Awareness Week, Westcoast has many activities in place, such as the “Wear it Green Day”, taking place on Thursday 18th May, when employees are encouraged to “have a coffee and a cake and talk to a mate”.