The Symonds Yat Challenge – Celebrating Our Amazing Supporters
On Sunday 21st September, our incredible fundraisers took on the Symonds Yat Challenge – and what an adventure it was!
Originally planned as a canoe along the River Wye followed by a hike up to Symonds Yat Rock, the challenge took an unexpected turn when high river levels meant we had to ditch the paddles. But in the spirit of a challenge, our team rose to the occasion and doubled the hike instead.
From steep banks to creaky bridges and muddy paths, every single participant tackled the route with determination, energy – smiling through it all. It was tough, but the strength and solidarity shown throughout the day was truly inspiring.
We’re so grateful to be partnered with Your Adventure Challenge, who not only planned a brilliant day but brought their expertise and encouragement every step of the way. We always felt in safe hands, and their support gave us the boost we needed when things got tough.
A massive thank you as well to Widows Sons MBA Taurus Chapter for giving our fundraisers the most unforgettable finale – riding into the finish line in style! On top of that incredible experience, we were delighted to be presented with a £600 donation from the chapter.
“We were honoured to be asked to support the finale of the challenge by riding the fundraisers into the finish line – some of them riding pillion with us for those last memorable moments. The weather was perfect, the energy was high, and the smiles when the bikes arrived said it all.
Five of our members took the ladies on the back of their bikes, and together we rode into the finishing line to cheers and applause – a fantastic spectacle and a perfect ending to an incredible day.
Our President Chippy gave a short speech and proudly presented WMWA with a cheque for £600 towards their fundraising total. The ladies told us it was the perfect finish to their challenge – and we couldn’t agree more.” – Widows Sons MBA Taurus Chapter
We rounded off the day at The Royal Lodge, where we were joined by friends and family to celebrate. Mark, the owner of Your Adventure Challenge, had one final surprise in store for our fundraisers – each participant was presented with a medal, a thoughtful bag of goodies, and a copy of Adventure Mind by Belinda Kirk – a book that Mark says “changed his life.” This heartfelt gesture meant so much to our team and was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
We ended the day tired, elated, and overwhelmingly proud – not just of what we achieved that day, but of the impact we’re making together to support the life-changing work of West Mercia Women’s Aid. We are have already rescheduled a date to complete the canoeing part of our challenge, and are excited to share these updates with you soon!
We’re Nearly There!
Thanks to your generosity, we’ve already raised an incredible £4,669 towards our £5,000 goal!
We’re so close – and with just one final push, we know we can get there. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
There is still time to donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wmwasymondsyat
To every one of our fundraisers, supporters, and partners – thank you. You are helping to change lives.
Find out more about how you can support our work: www.westmerciawomensaid.org/support-our-work