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Ryan, Bradley, Becky, Courteney and Mac from our Young Person’s Care Team are taking on the Oggie 8 Challenge in June – tackling eight 3,000-foot peaks in Snowdonia, all in support of Seashell.
Four of the five sat down with us to talk all about their preparation, nerves, excitement, and competitive spirit.
Ryan, Deputy Care Manager and Bradley, PBS Coach, started chatting last year about completing a physical challenge for Seashell. “I said we should do something together as the Young Adult Residential Services,” said Bradley. “I’d been to one of the Seashell Central sessions and they mentioned the Oggie 8, so I said ‘should we go for it?’ Then we all committed in January.”
The group have varying experience with long-distance walking, with some who are keen hikers, and others who are new but up for a challenge.
“I’ve done Snowdon before,” said Becky, Deputy Manager. “We went up and down in about six hours, although I did have my kids with me so it might have been a bit quicker without!” Courteney completed Hadrien’s Wall in three days, and Ryan recently walked Lud’s Church in the Peak District with a hiking group.
“I’ve never walked for this amount of time!” said Bradley. “I’ve bought some hiking shoes, so I’m starting to wear them in now.”
Also doing the challenge is Mac, Residential Support Worker. “Mac probably won’t do any training, he’ll just turn up and be completely fine!” laughed Bradley.
Having that support for your team is really important, even in your work life.
In true team spirit, the group have agreed to stick to one pace and complete the route together. “We can encourage each other if we’re struggling,” said Ryan. “Having that support for your team is really important, even in your work life.”
Feelings of both nerves and excitement are felt throughout the group, with some apprehensive about their stamina and “jelly legs”, and others keen to get to the top and see the view.
“I think there’ll definitely be butterflies the night before,” said Ryan. Bradley also voiced his concerns for the 5:30am start – “That’s one of the hardest parts for me!”
“I get very focussed when I’m walking,” said Becky. “I get my head set on the route, and I’m doing it no matter what obstacles I come across. It doesn’t matter how much I’m struggling, I have to complete it.”
“I love going up hills,” she added. “I love being really up high and looking down on the world, it makes me feel calm.”
“I love walking and hiking, it helps to clear my mind,” agreed Ryan.
Each person has a £300 fundraising target, with the hopes of hitting at least £1,500 for their team.
“It’s a big challenge for us all, and I think with the new college being built it’s a great time to have some impact,” said Bradley. “I’m looking forward to the feeling of seeing where our money goes, and knowing you’ve had an impact on the project and improving someone’s quality of life.”
“Even if people give a little bit, it helps massively,” said Becky.
When asked what they’re looking forward to once they’ve completed the challenge, there was a unanimous response: “a cold pint and a pub tea.”
“I’m also looking forward to us doing something outside of work together, and doing something positive for where we work,” said Courteney.
“I’d love to go even bigger next time,” said Becky. “I’d like to think we’d inspire others as we’re quite a small group, so maybe more people will get on board.”
We’re wishing you all the best of luck, although it sounds like you’re all well on your way! Click the link below to support Ryan, Bradley, Becky, Courteney and Mac:
We’ve already had over 50 sign-ups for this challenge, which is incredible! Click here to find out more about Oggie 8 and our other challenges.