A trio from Asset Alliance Group undertook a daunting kayaking journey across the English Channel, aiming to support Transaid.
- The team was composed of Suki Chana, Martyn Bellis, and Darren Fitzpatrick.
- Navigating from Dungeness to Boulogne, they completed the challenge in five hours and 45 minutes.
- The group successfully raised over £7,500, surpassing their initial fundraising target.
- Their efforts are set to assist Transaid in delivering life-changing transport solutions in sub-Saharan Africa.
In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, three members of the Asset Alliance Group embarked on a challenging kayaking expedition across the English Channel to raise funds for the transport charity, Transaid. The team, consisting of senior credit manager Suki Chana, commercial director Martyn Bellis, and sales director Darren Fitzpatrick, faced the formidable task of paddling from Dungeness to Boulogne. Their journey, marked by rough seas, took five hours and 45 minutes to cover a distance of 18.5 nautical miles.
The crossing was notably arduous for Suki Chana, who took up kayaking only a few months prior, in July. Her perseverance was evident as she reflected on the accomplishment, stating, “We did it! Crossed the Channel yesterday! All three of us are well and healthy, albeit with a few aches.” Martyn Bellis articulated the challenge’s difficulty, describing it as “one of the biggest challenges of my life”. Bellis further shared, “Today my body is broken, I ache all over, I would never do this again… but I’m so chuffed that I did this: Darren Fitzpatrick and Suki Chana, this is what teamwork is all about.” Echoing similar sentiments, Darren Fitzpatrick described his post-crossing state as “drained but elated”, and expressed gratitude to the safety team and sponsors for their support.
The team’s successful fundraising effort exceeded their target, amassing over £7,500 for Transaid. This contribution is set to facilitate the continuation of Transaid’s critical work in sub-Saharan Africa, which includes providing safe, reliable, and sustainable transport solutions. These efforts are crucial, particularly in ensuring that medical supplies reach remote communities in need. Transaid’s mission underscores the importance of no driver facing the peril of inadequate training, unsafe vehicles, or dangerous road conditions.
The extraordinary achievement of the Asset Alliance Group trio was acknowledged by Maddy Matheson, head of fundraising at Transaid, who remarked on the significance of their endeavour in marking the group’s inaugural year as a corporate member of the charity. “This was an incredible achievement by three colleagues who were determined to mark Asset Alliance Group’s first year as Transaid corporate members in the most unique fashion possible. We are hugely grateful for their efforts in raising such a significant sum of money.”
The dedicated efforts of these individuals have not only achieved a remarkable physical accomplishment but also significantly contributed to Transaid’s noble mission.
