Capital One UK’s Charity Challenge 2022 sees associates hiking and biking to raise awareness for mental health
Since 2017, Capital One UK has fundraised over £200,000 in total for Rethink Mental Illness who help improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through their network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning.
Much of this comes from our annual Charity Challenges, and the 2022 events were bigger and better than ever as teams of associates took on the National Three Peaks Challenge and an Office to Office Cycle Challenge in July.
On the 1st - 3rd July, 35 associates dusted off their hiking boots to attempt the Three Peaks Challenge. Over the course of the weekend they were set to climb all 3 of the highest peaks in the UK, back to back! Firstly starting with the highest Ben Nevis in Scotland, then Scafell Pike in the Lake District and ending with Snowdon in Wales. The Three Peak’s team made a triumphant return back into the Capital One UK office after completing their gruelling (and wet) hiking challenge.
But it didn't stop there! On the 8th - 9th July, 21 associates set off from Capital One UK’s head office Trent House in Nottingham and cycled all the way to their other office at the White Collar Factory in London. The team clocked up a total of 240km/150miles through scorching heat.
Together, the Charity Challenge 2022 hikers and bikers have raised a staggering £26,000 so far and that number is still increasing!
To round off the fundraising, associates at the Nottingham office made the most of the ever popular samosa sale. It’s always a busy time in the office when the samosa sale is on, and as a cashless event all that was asked was that associates donate their spare pennies and pounds to fill their bellies for a good cause.
Overall Charity Challenge 2022 was a roaring success and we can’t wait to see if we can go even bigger and better in 2023!
Here's some thoughts from associates:
Simon Lister, Vice President in Business Analysis said “It was great to be able to do the Three Peaks with colleagues from Capital One. The challenge was incredibly well-organised, we got to meet people we might not normally see in the office and to push ourselves to finish! Most importantly, we could raise money for Rethink Mental Illness. Just a shame that it was so wet!”
Kaj Bansal, Senior Technical Programme Manager said “Thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in this year's Charity Challenge! I really enjoy hiking, and am passionate about fundraising so it felt like a great challenge for me. We raised a tonne of money for an incredible charity, and it was an absolute honour to be part of such a driven, motivated team.”
Adam Cooper (he/him), Brand Marketing Manager said “The Three Peaks was one of the hardest things I've ever done, made much easier by taking it on alongside so many amazing associates, and for a great cause!”
Caroline Collins, Principal Communications Coordinator said “It was so tough, but so rewarding. There were moments I hated it and moments I loved it. And although I won't be doing it again in a hurry (my knees still hurt), I am so proud to say that I have done it, and raised money for such a worthy charity.”
Paul Stanyon (he/him), Director in Business Analysis said “It was great to be able to be a part of something like the Office to Office Cycle - it's definitely a tough challenge, but with encouragement from a great group of colleagues then the miles really flew by. I love that Capital One encourages associates to challenge themselves like this whilst fundraising for some really great causes!”
Catherine Buttery (she/her) Senior Manager in Business Analysis said "The Office to Office cycle ride was an amazing experience. We cycled from Nottingham to London in 2 days, raising money for Rethink Mental Illness. The training I did beforehand felt hard, but the actual ride was wonderful - cycling with a lovely group of Capital One people, it really was a pleasure to cycle, laugh, chat and know we were doing it for a good cause"
