Publishing team climbing because they CARE

The Institute of Physics

22 May 2008

Cyclone-hit Burma

A group of staff from IOP Publishing in Bristol are taking part in the CARE 3 Peaks Challenge supported by Computer Weekly to raise at least £6,000 for the leading overseas aid and development agency, CARE International UK.

The nine-strong team, including two drivers, will be taking on the gruelling challenge of climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon) within 24 hours on Saturday, 7 June, and Sunday, 8 June.

Starting in Fort William, the team will first climb Ben Nevis. The next day sees them scale Scafell Pike in the Lake District, followed by Snowdon in Wales in the afternoon. The team will cover 24.5 miles and hike for more than 14 hours.

In preparation for the event, the publishing team has undergone rigorous training, including individual sessions at the gym, 10 K runs, half-marathons and weekend walks in the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Snowdonia.

As team leader, Jane Roscoe admits that the team was not exactly at the peak of fitness when they signed up: ‘Some of us were confirmed couch potatoes before this, but we’ve all been motivated by a desire to test ourselves and to help an excellent charity.’

The demanding event raises funds for CARE International, one of the top three aid agencies worldwide. With more than 60 years’ experience, CARE continues to fight poverty in over 60 countries, helping over 55 million people each year. CARE’s mission is to create lasting change in poor communities and more than 90 pence in every pound goes towards their many poverty fighting programmes, which currently includes helping people in Myanmar (Burma) following the devastating Cyclone Nargis.

So far the team has raised around £5700 through cake sales, pub quizzes, a local pub gig and donations to their website. Four corporate sponsors – Ingenta, Sanderson, b2net and NetApp – have also generously pledged £1,000 each.

To support the walkers, donate online at www.justgiving.com/kateboothby or send a cheque (made payable to CARE International UK) to IOP Publishing Dirac House, Temple Back, Bristol BS1 6BE.

^ To the top ^