Fundraising challenges are very different from a holiday and involve much more in all respects. We understand that the achievement of undergoing such a physical and psychological challenge is immensely rewarding and often life-changing. But don’t just take our word for it – feedback from just some of the emails and letters which we receive year-round follows:
“Like many on the trip, I had not done anything like this before so was a little apprehensive as to what to expect. I should not have worried! This was the best 10 days I have spent away anywhere and whilst the scenery and the overall personal experience contributed enormously, I must say a huge thanks to Discover Adventure and the crew you had out there – they were quite magnificent in ensuring that everything was organised perfectly.” David, Inca Trail trek for Great Ormond Street Hospital
“There were many high points – physically and mentally – every day was a real challenge and ended with a big achievement. Fabulously organised with good support throughout. I have ended the trip tired and smelly, but well worth the struggle!” Dianne, Mexico Coast to Coast Cycle for Anthony Nolan Trust.
“Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thankyou for making last week’s trek in Peru such a wonderful experience. We have never trekked or camped out before, but are now looking at going to Nepal next year. You’ve opened our eyes to the world, so for that we thank you.” Peter and Debbie, Inca Trail trek for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
“I returned last night at midnight from the Cancer Bridge Sahara trek, and it has been a life-changing time.” Jane, Sahara Trek for Cancer Bridge.
“I took part in the Hadrians Wall walk last weekend and had one of the most rewarding weekends of my life. Succeeding in such a challenge has had an enormously beneficial effect. I am nauseatingly proud of myself and self confidence is incredible. Please thank the team who arranged the trek; their organisation was perfect.” Lynne, Hadrians Wall weekend trek for Downs Syndrome Association.
“No words or stories relayed to friends back home will ever be able to recreate the experiences over the last two weeks. From day one, new friends have been forged. Overall – a memory engraved forever!” Max, Mexico Coast to Coast Cycle for Anthony Nolan Trust.
Just a note to say thank you for helping make my trip one of the most enjoyable and exhilarating trips of my life. First time I’ve travelled alone, first time in a sleeping bag, first time in a tent and it was all fantastic!” Linda, Inca Trail trek for The Children’s Society.
“I wanted to pass on my thanks to you all for organising such a fantastic trip. I had the experience of a lifetime, I cannot really put into words how I feel about what I have experienced, but I will never forget it. I hope to stay in touch with everyone on the trip as we all bonded very well and shared something very unique.” Kate, Canada Horse Trek for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
“I have just returned from trekking the Great Wall of China in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital and wanted to write and thank all at Discover Adventure for organising such a fantastic trip … Although the trekking was tough, with the support and guidance of your team it turned into one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my life. I can honestly say I have never laughed so much, and have come away with some brilliant new friends.” Richard, Great Wall of China trek for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
“It really was the experience of a lifetime for me, as I’m not a camper or a high latitude walker, and usually like a little bit of luxury (like a hot shower and a comfy bed) … You were wonderful and so kind and helpful and encouraging to an old lady! The organisation of Discover Adventure was amazing and I couldn’t find fault with any part of the trip.” Issy, Inca Trail trek for Action Medical Research.
“As I sit here now finding peat in places it shouldn’t be, and insect bites continue to appear, I can only but smile at the achievements made not just by me but by 58 other amazing people. I have definitely got the bug now to do more challenges.” Wendy, Peak District Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Relief.
“One thing did surprise me and that was that I made it up that mountain! Normally I give up much easier – but this challenge took my determination to its limits. Everybody from the cyclists to crew at Discover Adventure were really friendly and made the trip and atmosphere a real team effort.” Jackie, Mexico Coast to Coast Cycle for Anthony Nolan Trust.
“I wanted to write and thank you for what will always be one of the best trips of my life. I have no doubt that I only saw a tiny proportion of the organisation that your staff did in order to make this such an amazing trip. Your team did all this behind the scenes and made the whole ten days run seamlessly from flights, to hotels, to guides, to eating, to camping … no mean feat with a group of nearly 60!” Alex, Inca Trail trek for Action Medical Research.
“I just wish to record my thanks for the expert organisation between yourselves and The Children’s Society, making this a truly unforgettable experience for me. At 62 I was a little nervous as this was the first time I had undertaken such a challenge. But I received a lot of encouragement and advice that made the whole trip truly memorable.” Jenny, Inca Trail trek for The Children’s Society.
“I would like to congratulate you all for the magnificent organisation of the Inca Trail trek for CLIC. It was faultless.” Joan, Inca Trail trek for CLIC.
“Just a short message to express my sincere thanks to you and your colleagues at DA for making last week’s London to Paris such a fantastic success. It obviously takes an incredible amount of hard work to organise and run, especially given the ‘high-spirited’ nature of many of the riders! It was undoubtedly the most fun I’ve had in years.” Peter, London to Paris Cycle for Action Medical Research.
“Now I have my wits about me I feel I must tell you how great you are as a team and how tremendously organised and positive the trip was last week. Trekking the Inca Trail with such a fantastic crowd of people was a real life experience and indeed an honour to be part of it all ... Sadly it seems like another world and life away but I will always treasure the whole experience.” Peter, Inca Trail trek for Action Medical Research.
“What a superb job you and your team did in overseeing the successful passage of one hundred and seventy nine cyclists between two points three hundred miles apart. Your attention to detail in terms of safety and route planning was magnificent and the quality of food served at lunch breaks and fruit stops was marvellous … Overall it was a brilliantly organised and co-ordinated event which was extremely enjoyable for every single participant. Very well done and I look forward to discovering another adventure in the future with the DA team.” David, London to Paris Cycle for Action Medical Research.
“As I sat at the campsite yesterday afternoon and reflected on the weekend I felt quite emotional, thinking about what I’d achieved, why I’d done it, and having to say goodbye to such great people ... I think what made it really special was being part of a group that were determined to finish it for themselves and others; there was a real sense of team spirit and we all knew that what we were doing would help so many people. I think we should be proud of what we achieved.” Chris, Peak District Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Relief.
“I just have to email and show our appreciation to everyone for their tireless devotion to 70+ trekkers, many of whom were not so young or fit as we would have liked! We had a fantastic time and it was an experience I know we will not be forgetting even if the photos do not show the scale of the adventure or the ‘magnificence’ of those bloody steps!” Roy and Jan, Inca Trail trek for Action Medical Research.
“This was the first trek of its kind I have been on, and as it was in aid of a cancer charity … many of the participants were doing the walk in memory of people we loved. This was one of the most satisfying and memorable eight days I’ve ever had. It was also one of the funniest!” Sheilagh, Sahara Trek, Cancer Bridge.
“Thankyou all for a wonderful experience over the last 10 days ... I was amazed at the effort you all put in to make everything run so smoothly. The manner in which people of varying ages and social background seem to come together and bond is of great credit to your ventures – I would highly recommend them.” Danny, Chilcotin Trek, Canada, for Youth Hostel Association.
“I felt the professionalism of the team and the confidence that your staff inspired in the group was amazing.” Lynne, Trek the Andes for NDCS
“The last two weeks have been the most physically challenging of my whole life. I have loved every minute of it, despite the sandflies and mosquito bites. The people I met in the group were great fun and the support we gave each other essential. How could we possibly convey to our people back home the many challenges we put ourselves through. Many thanks to the leaders and crew who made the experience all the more amusing.” Ginny, Mexico Coast to Coast Cycle for Anthony Nolan Trust.
“Our comfort and safety was always a priority ... we couldn’t have done it without the constant encouragement and expertise, and I would like to thank the team at Discover Adventure for helping to create memories which I will cherish until the day I die.” Lynn, Inca Trail trek for Scottish Society for Autism.
“The organisation of the trek was excellent and it was obvious that all the fine details had as much importance as the trek itself. The guides were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and concerned with the trekkers’ welfare and I felt safe and happy in the new and sometimes intimidating environment.” Sarah, Iceland trek for Asthma UK.
“I have just completed the Peak District Challenge and I have now already come back down to earth with a bump. I would just like to pass on my thanks to all the team for running a thoroughly professional and FUN trip.” Jon, Peak District Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Relief.
“What a great bunch. Whilst we are all very different the mind-boggling experience we have all gone through has made us a real team. A true lifetime experience which I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to undertake. Things will never be quite the same again!” Geoff, Mexico Coast to Coast Cycle for Anthony Nolan Trust.
“I thought it was about time I got round to officially saying a huge thankyou to you and the entire Discover Adventure team for all your hard work on our recent cycling challenges! I’m delighted to say that the feedback from the participants has been excellent and they, like us, appear to have really appreciated the time and effort you put in to make these events such a success.” Craig Fordham, Macmillan Cancer Relief.
“It was a brilliant trip, really, really great! Thankyou so much for all your brilliant organisation. Everyone has been calling in to tell me how much they enjoyed themselves, so top marks to all at DA.” Rachel Forrester, Great Ormond Street Hospital
“Just wanted to let you know that I thought the trip went really well and we have had a lot of good feedback already. Thanks for all your help (and especially your flexibility) along the way. Personally I had a fantastic time and can’t imagine myself doing the beach holiday thing ever again!” Simon Molloy, ActionAid.
“I just had to write as soon as I returned home to express my sincere thanks to you for the wonderful work and effort you put into the trek. You all work so incredibly hard, and so professionally, and I am so very impressed with DA and all you do! The considerable group size we had could have posed many problems but you looked after everyone so well ... I really enjoyed working with you all.” Sarah Stevenson, Action Medical Research.
“On behalf of The Carphone Warehouse and our charity ‘Challenge Yourself’ I would like to convey the whole group’s appreciation for how well run and organised the trip was ... Most of us started the challenge with fear and trepidation but finished with pride and elation. Many thanks to you all for making this challenge possible.” Andrew, Carphone Warehouse.
“Thanks to all the Discover Adventure team for ensuring the success of the Aspire / Bovis Lend Lease High Atlas trek. Aspire is not a large charity and therefore pays particular attention to the cost effectiveness of projects such as this. Not only are we on our way to reaching our fundraising target but exceeding it. That alone qualifies the trek a success. But coupled with a fantastic country, people, itinerary and efficient organisation, everyone went home with a rucksack of happy memories.” Andrew Dunham, Aspire.
“Many thanks for making ‘Challenge Yourself Sahara’ magical for everybody, and for helping to develop a special team from a diverse group of people.” Wendy Croasdale, Macmillan Cancer Relief.
