British Gas employees braved the elements to raise £19,000 for the DofE Charity. On Saturday 6th June 34 teams from British Gas competed against each other in a 24hour DofE style expedition challenge event.
While the severe cold and rainy weather presented a force to be reckoned with, the teams’ positive attitudes prevailed to make the event a great success.
The event started in the morning at Hope, where teams of between five and six people departed for a 6 hour hiking challenge within the Peak District National Park. Teams were required to navigate to various checkpoints, completing logistical and mental challenges en route.
The challenges were themed in line with One British Gas values – ‘We wear the customer’s shoes’ saw teams crossing a swamp using only 4 ‘shoes’ and ‘We are stronger together’ saw teams working together in a fun photo competition. Puzzles tested ‘We keep our promises’ and all teams certainly lived the value ‘We take pride in what we do’.
Teams camped out overnight and cooked their own camp meal which was also part of the competition. Teams rose to the ‘Come Dine with Me’ style cookery challenge, producing spectacular three course meals – including lobster risotto, champagne and caviar and locally themed Bakewell tarts.
The team who managed to outperform all the others was Nick Searle’s team including Laurence Allan, Jennie Boyle, Lee Hoadley and Keith Wood a team of field based staff from the Anglia area. Ian Wright’s team of Ian Moss, Tim Riley, David Stobbs and Kevin Doman came in a competitive second and Sarah Dent’s team of Kirsty Stevenson, Alison Jones and John Huyton were third. However, the real win from this weekend was the fantastic donation from British Gas staff to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, totalling £19,000.
Alan Johnson, Director of the Energy Academy, British Gas had this to say about the challenge; ‘The British Gas Peak District Challenge has been an absolutely fantastic event and an overwhelming success. 185 people from across British Gas – from engineers to sales and customer services - everyone committed 110% to the challenge and showed great team spirit despite the extreme conditions. I am delighted that we were able to raise £19,000 for the DofE and would like to congratulate everyone involved’.
Jacqui Larcombe, Head of Partnerships, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award had this to say about the event; ‘British Gas – you triumphed in adversity, showed great team work and demonstrated a fantastic sense of humour. The funds that you have raised will help to change even more young people’s lives for the better – thank you so much’.