The HECK! team is stepping up in a big way this spring, taking on two physically and mentally demanding challenges to raise money for causes close to their hearts: Reverse Rett and Alzheimer’s Society.
This weekend, four members of team HECK!, Jemma Milne, Ben Horn, Helen McTaggart and Abbie Webster, will be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, joined by eight friends and family. The gruelling 24-mile trek must be completed within 12 hours and includes over 5,200ft of ascent. That’s more than 65,000 steps, or the equivalent of 750 flights of stairs!
Their mission is to raise funds for Reverse Rett, a charity working to drive treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome, a rare and devastating genetic disorder that affects brain development, mostly in girls.
HECK!’s Nutritionist, Jemma, has a personal connection to the cause. She said “I have a close family connection with Rett syndrome, as my niece was diagnosed with the condition when she was three years old. When I mentioned my interest in the Three Peaks Challenge, everyone at HECK! was very supportive – so much so, that three team members signed up to do it with me! We’ve been making good use of the staff gym and 5k walking trail for our training sessions and it feels great to be able to do our bit and contribute to this charity’s important work.”
The route will see the team summiting Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales National Park: a stunning but tough challenge that will put their endurance to the test.
To prepare for the long day ahead, the team will be fuelling up with two of their favourite recipes – BBQ Chicken Pizza and Chicken and Chilli Sausage Rolls. These hearty, protein-packed and delicious meals are perfect for keeping their energy levels high, and will no doubt make the trek feel just that bit more manageable.
Meanwhile, Freya recently laced up her running shoes for her very first marathon in London. Running side by side with her sister, she completed the 26.2 mile course in just over five hours, raising almost £1,000 for Alzheimer’s Society in the process.
Freya signed up to run the London Marathon after both of her grandmas were diagnosed with the condition, "The training was tough, but it was worth it to raise this money for Alzheimer's research. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s donated. Both of my grandmas are affected by this cruel disease – one is in a care home and the other still lives independently, but it’s heart-breaking to see how Alzheimer’s is changing them over time. I ran the marathon in their honour and hope my fundraising supports research that will make a difference to future generations.”
Freya and Jemma were both inspired to take action after we launched our Community Fund last year. The fund celebrates and supports individuals and organisations making a real impact, and is part of HECK!’s commitment to giving back, whether that’s through fundraising, volunteering or donations.
Want to show your support?
• Donate to Jemma and the Three Peaks Challenge for Reverse Rett here.
• Support Frey’s fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society here.
Every donation makes a difference and helps to drive vital research and support for those affected by Rett syndrome and Alzheimer’s.
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