Hazlewoods is kicking off the summer by coming together to support our Charities of the Year.
With a focus on the Cheltenham-based charity, Team Charlie, our Hazlewoods people have been committing their time towards fundraising for a cause that works to create memories and respite for children with cancer.
Championing the spirit of giving, the Hazlewoods Business Solutions team spent 18-19 June devoting their weekend to raising vital funds for Team Charlie – by walking the length of the 102-mile Cotswold Way.
Normally treated as a leisurely 7–10-day hike, the team instead completed the journey as a non-stop relay, walking tirelessly through the warm weather, the middle of the night, and the brambles of the countryside.
Further afield than the Cotswolds, Hazlewoods Partner, Suzanne Headington, is taking on the ChillSwim Triple Crown challenge. This consists of swimming three lakes within the Lake District all in the same year – two of which are the biggest in England! Suzanne has selflessly raised an incredible amount already after her first two swims of the challenge, firstly in Coniston which took place on 20 June, and Ullswater which took place recently on 11 July.
To give some more inspiration to all of us hoping to support our Charities of the Year – Team Charlie, Teenage Cancer Trust and Tŷ Hafan – we caught up with the Business Solutions team and Suzanne to find out all the details on what keeps them going during these tough challenges.
In conversation with our Business Solutions team
1. What inspired you all to take on the Cotswold Way challenge?
Following the announcement of our new Charity of the Year, we were keen to strike while the iron was hot and take on a challenge. The Cotswold Way relay appealed to us as it was recognisable to most people locally and felt like a genuine challenge that the team could all get involved with.
2. Which section felt much longer than it looked on a map?
The Leckhampton to Painswick stretch. The team that took on this part were absolute troopers, being awoken early on Friday morning as the group before them finished early, navigating a diversion and the building heat throughout the day.
3. What’s one of the best memories of the challenge?
Rhiannon Hooper, Partner, – “…having a drink at the pub at the end of our stint”.
Aisling Davison, Associate Manager – “That was my worst memory – leaving you guys at the pub to start our stint!”
There were also lots of comments about our four-legged friends. Although at night, when you can’t see what’s ahead of you, stumbling across a cow in your path was quite terrifying!
4. How did you all keep up the positivity throughout the journey?
Some of the stretches were hard, whether that was parts being longer than anticipated, long steep hills or walking through the night. What kept us going was the team spirit from others checking in and providing cold drinks and snacks, the “would you rather” games or riddles to keep people distracted and, of course, the donations coming in for Team Charlie.
5. Is there a particular part of the walk the team are most proud about completing?
Probably the final stretch. Most of the team had already walked one of the earlier parts and so legs were tired and feet were blistered. The section also started with a steep uphill followed by a steep downhill which was tough. But they did it! And we were all so proud when they got to Bath Abbey.
6. What did you use for the ‘baton’ between relay teams and why?
We used a golden “bedazzled” calculator. We knew that we wanted something to pass between the teams to prove that it was done as one continuous relay, and when we mentioned it to friends and family, there was one consistent answer – “it’s got to be a calculator”.
7. What snack became the unofficial fuel of the journey?
Jelly Babies, Wine Gums and Haribo.
8. If this challenge had a soundtrack, what would the song choice be and why?
The Proclaimers – 500 miles. It might have “only” been 102 but at times it definitely felt like 500!
9. How do you all hope your fundraising will support Team Charlie?
We all know the value of breaks away from normal life. We hope our fundraising helps Team Charlie give more families facing childhood cancer the opportunity to take special breaks, create lasting memories, and find some relief during incredibly challenging times.
10. What advice would you give someone considering a similar challenge?
Do it – you won’t regret it! Bring snacks, good shoes, and a strong team spirit! The key is supporting each other and remembering the ‘why’. That’s what keeps you moving when the hills (and blisters) kick in.
In conversation with Suzanne Headington
1. When did your passion for swimming begin?
Having been used to bobbing about in my aunt and uncles pool when little, I assumed I could swim until we had a swimming lesson at my new school when I was 7 and I promptly sank when asked to swim a width! Needless to say, mum and dad decided I needed swimming lessons, and it started there. Swimming has always been my sport.
2. How do you train for an event like this?
We are lucky in Cheltenham to have a fantastic Lido which is 50m. I am also a member at Lake 86 in South Cerney, getting practice in open water is great training for different temperatures. Training in the lakes is often in the company of the swans and geese.
I have also been having strength sessions, and my PT instructor, Abbie, has been brilliant. Swimming can be a solo sport, but my good friend Dorothy has been swimming with me on my training which has been lovely.
3. Where is your favourite place in the world to swim?
I have only really swum in UK. That said, I have swum in the British Virgin Islands, which is beautiful. Lakes tend to be in lovely settings with fantastic scenery, so whether in Wales or England, I always enjoy the swims.
4. If you could bring any famous person along on the next swim to chat to, who would it be and why?
Vassos Alexander, (who is a sports presenter and endurance runner and swimmer). I have met him once at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, but I would love to have more of chat with him about how he trains and what keeps him motivated, as well as just sport in general
5. How cold was Coniston Lake and how do you deal with the cold temperatures while swimming?
They announced as we set off in the bus to the start of Coniston that the water was 16 degrees! Which is quite warm (a lot of people would disagree!!) The sun on your back definitely helps, so a sunny day is always appreciated! Key is to enter the water gradually, splash your face etc with water before starting to swim.
6. How do you hope the donations from your swim help Team Charlie?
To allow them to carry on their brilliant work in providing respite care for families of children with cancer as well as providing the emotional and financial support that is needed. Creating memories for the families involved is so important and Team Charlie play an integral role in this.
7. What was the first thing you treated yourself to after the swim?
A Graze bar! We get given Jelly Babies at the feed stations, which are great for the energy boost. As soon as I got back to the hotel, I had a nice shower and a chicken ceasar salad (and a pink gin and lemonade!).
8. How do you think the Charity of The Year campaign has inspired people to donate?
It might just be that I am mad enough to swim long distances and people want to support me through donating, which is great. It helps to raise awareness around Team Charlie and the brilliant work they do, so it is a win all round!
9. What advice would you give to someone else considering an endurance challenge?
Go for it! I have always found that having a goal keeps me motivated and it is good to challenge yourself – with the added knowledge that I am also making a difference.
If you are inspired by Suzanne or our Business Solutions team, you can find the link to donate to their pages here:
Suzanne’s final swim challenge will be 11 miles at Windermere on 5 September! – Suzanne Headington is fundraising for Team Charlie
Hazlewoods Business Solutions is fundraising for Team Charlie
Team Charlie, Teenage Cancer Trust and Tŷ Hafan are at the heart of all the challenges and fundraising at Hazlewoods this year and we couldn’t be prouder to support such amazing causes that help families across the country affected by cancer.
Helping children with cancer through free holidays | Team Charlie
Teenage Cancer Trust | UK Cancer Charity
Through life, death and beyond | Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice