Charity fundraiser: our 25k Jurassic Coast challenge!

We did it! A 14-strong team from BCMS – now known as Initium – has completed a challenging 25km charity trek across Dorset’s World Heritage Coastline. The initiative was to raise much-needed funds in aid of our charity of the year, Hampshire-based Simon Says, which supports children and young people when someone close to them has died or is dying.

The sore feet, blisters, and aching ankles were very much worth it. Thanks to generous donations from across our community, we exceeded our initial fundraising target by over 30%. As the team at Simon Says commented: “Amazing! Thank you so very much Team BCMS and to everyone who has donated. You really have made a big difference to the lives of the bereaved children and young people we support.”

In total, those taking part in the Jurassic Challenge supported an incredible 212 charities, raising £1.5m – and counting – for good causes

According to organisers Action Challenge, the 2024 Jurassic Coast Challenge was the biggest event of its type ever. Our team braved a section of the demanding 100km route along from Corfe Castle to Bridport, and were part of the 3,609 people who walked, jogged or ran the challenge. In total, participants supported an incredible 212 charities, raising £1.5m and counting for good causes.

Team Captain – and our Financial Controller – Sarah Bates said: “We were a group of mainly novice walkers, and completing the 25km trek together, in the beautiful Dorset countryside, gave us all a real sense of achievement. It was a great event to be part of (mostly!) and it was an incredible team effort. I would personally like to thank all my colleagues for signing up and taking part in this event with me and we are all thrilled to have been able to raise money for Simon Says at the same time. It is a charity that is close to all our hearts. Now that we have recovered from the day, we are considering our next challenge…”