On 1st July, five members of staff from the building society will pack their bags and head to the Peak District to take part in the “Hope Challenge”.

Over three days they will climb a breathtaking 1,000 miles of hills, trek over at least 12,000 miles of rough terrain and take part in many other challenges. One of the biggest facing the team is to design and construct a shelter out of scrap materials and then camp in it for two nights – whatever the weather!

Hope Challenge is part of the Habitat for Humanity, which partners communities with housing needs to find appropriate, permanent and long term solutions to their housing issues. They assist in over 90 countries, including Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to renovate, repair and build homes for those in need.

So far the building society team have raised almost £300 for the charity. Alongside the sponsorship of the event, they have a number of fundraising activities planned, including some back waxing for the male members of the team.   Alex Talmage, from the IT department, is looking forward to the challenge, he said, “I've never taken part in anything like this before, and really have no idea how I will cope. I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge though, especially as it is for such a great cause.”
 
The team would be grateful for any donations, either pop into your local branch or visit their online page at www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/teamnewbury