On Saturday 3rd June 2023, Military vs Cancer hosted a remarkable event, the Loch Lomond Challenge, to drum up vital donations for those affected by cancer.
With over 70 participants including military personnel, veterans, civilians, and our very own Graeme McCabe and Jason Fenwick, the fundraiser encompassed a range of activities – including canoeing on Loch Lomond, walking a portion of the West Highland Way, or a combination of both. Here’s a little run-down of how the day unfolded, recapped by Graeme, our cloud UC voice engineer…
A gruelling day filled with kindness and camaraderie
The teams began their journey from centre 81 in Garelochhead, having enjoyed a hearty breakfast courtesy of the event's main sponsor, Be11a JS. The atmosphere was brimming with excitement as participants embarked on their chosen challenges, fully fuelled for the day ahead.
The arduous walk – led by experienced mountain leaders John, Nicola, and Phil – spanned 11 gruelling hours, with each step representing the determination and resilience of the participants. Meanwhile, the paddle and split participants – guided by Grant, Andy, Tom, and Kenny in the canoes, accompanied by Neil, Dean, Jamie, and Claire in the support Rhibs – conquered their challenge within a 10-hour timeframe.
Loch Lomond’s serene beauty provided a stunning backdrop as the participants paddled their way to victory, with their efforts symbolising the strength and unity in the face of adversity.
The success of the Loch Lomond Challenge would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the support team. These individuals tirelessly drove the support vehicles, ensuring that participants received the essential food and water at the designated rendezvous points on time. Led by Military vs Cancer's own Dizzy, alongside Rory, Martin, and John, these unsung heroes played a vital role in enabling the participants to accomplish their goals.
Looking ahead to future fundraising
The event surpassed all expectations, doubling the number of participants from the previous year. The overwhelming support and generosity from donors resulted in an impressive surplus of £15,000 – with £688 of that total comprising our Vapour duo’s efforts.
Military vs Cancer plans to build on this success and has already begun preparations for the next challenge in 2024. Keep a close eye on the charity’s social media platforms for updates and information, as they strive to make the next event an even greater triumph in the fight against cancer. You can also take a look at the upcoming events on Vapour’s cards, here.
Lastly, Military vs Cancer would like to express their sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event's success. The participants, the support team, the sponsors, and, most importantly, the generous donors who made this endeavour possible. Every contribution to the tally and act of support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those battling cancer, and your unwavering support is truly commendable.
Fancy adding to the total? Vapour's associated JustGiving page is still live and accepting donations here, if you’re able to spare anything large or small.
