At Your Adventure Challenge, we believe in the transformative power of the outdoors — not just for individuals, but for communities. The recent Paddle for Purpose event perfectly captured this spirit, combining grit, generosity, and group determination into a powerful 38-mile kayaking journey through the heart of Worcestershire.

How It Started: An Ambitious Idea

The concept began when Steve from Business Doctors approached Glenn with a bold idea: a 38-mile kayak down the River Severn. Glenn, with no previous kayaking experience, was intrigued and presented the idea to Mandy from Headway Worcestershire. The response was immediate and enthusiastic. Eight local business owners signed up to take part, all driven by a shared goal: to raise awareness and essential funds for adults living with acquired brain injuries.

Training for a Mission

Despite their varied experience levels, the team committed to twelve weeks of rigorous weekend training. The longest distance covered during practice was 22 miles — a far cry from the full challenge ahead. Yet, armed with determination and a shared purpose, they pushed forward.

Partnering with Your Adventure Challenge

To ensure the event ran smoothly and safely, Headway Worcestershire brought in Your Adventure Challenge, led by Mark Stancer, to handle the logistics and risk management. With professional support and detailed planning, the event unfolded without a hitch — a testament to our experience in managing outdoor adventure events that are both ambitious and inclusive.

The Route: From Bewdley to Tewkesbury

Paddling a 38-mile stretch of the River Severn through Worcestershire offered a fresh and immersive way to see the county. Participants passed under bridges they usually drove over, offering a new perspective on their home surroundings. Mark shadowed the team from start to finish, ensuring their safety and cheering them on from the riverbanks.

A Cause Worth Paddling For

Headway Worcestershire supports over 400 people affected by acquired brain injuries — a condition that, tragically, affects someone every 90 seconds in the UK. These injuries can impact cognition, mobility, memory, and emotional wellbeing. The charity provides wellbeing services that help clients relearn essential skills and regain independence. Events like Paddle for Purpose are vital for raising the funds needed to continue this life-changing work.

The Finish Line: A Celebration of Strength and Community

Crossing the finish line was more than a physical victory. It was a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and the kindness of a community coming together for a shared purpose. The donations received, the stories shared, and the challenges overcome will leave a lasting legacy for everyone involved. Over £10,000 was raised plus great awareness across hundreds of people.

Join Us Next Year

This year’s success has already sparked conversations about making Paddle for Purpose an annual event. With overwhelming community support and participants already keen for round two, we can’t wait to see where next year’s journey will take us.

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Inspired to take on your own adventure challenge for charity? Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, or something totally unique, we’ll help plan, guide, and deliver a safe and unforgettable experience. Get in touch today to start your own adventure for a cause.

At Your Adventure Challenge, we specialise in turning bold ideas into extraordinary real-life adventures. This Good Friday, we had the privilege of supporting and organising one of the most inspiring charity challenges we’ve ever seen: 38 miles paddled down the River Severn in support of Headway Worcestershire, a charity dedicated to people with acquired brain injuries.

Eight determined members of the Top Networking group set off from Bewdley with a single goal — to reach Tewkesbury by kayak. What unfolded was an epic test of endurance, resilience and teamwork across one of the UK’s longest rivers, under some seriously testing conditions.

From Idea to Adventure

This challenge began as a vision from Steve Ennis of Business Doctors and quickly evolved into a fully-fledged expedition thanks to months of planning, preparation and coordination by our experienced team at Your Adventure Challenge.

Despite only two of the eight participants having more than a year’s kayaking experience, we worked closely with the group to transform complete beginners into river-ready adventurers. Over three months, we supported their training, guided their preparation and ensured that every paddler had the confidence, skills and support they needed.

Planning a Safe and Scenic 38-Mile Route

The River Severn is not to be underestimated. Its winding course, variable depths, fast-flowing sections and active locks make it both beautiful and hazardous — especially when high winds and rainfall make conditions unpredictable. Our team mapped a safe and achievable route from Bewdley to Tewkesbury, coordinating with lock keepers, planning emergency access points and providing full logistical support on land and water.

On the day of the event, we deployed professional river guides to paddle with the team and stationed a mobile support crew along the route, fully equipped to assist in case of any incident.

That planning paid off. When one kayaker capsized in a remote section of the river, our support team responded instantly — executing a swift and safe recovery using ropes and team coordination honed from years of experience. Safety is always our priority, and this moment showed exactly why it matters.

Weathering the Challenge

The River Severn delivered a challenge worthy of the cause. Strong winds swept down the valley, bringing with them bursts of heavy rain. The paddlers faced difficult currents, battled fatigue and had to pass through multiple locks, some of which required careful negotiation and manual handling of boats.

Despite the conditions, every participant remained focused, fuelled by months of preparation and sheer determination. The atmosphere was electric, with family, friends and our YAC crew cheering them on from the banks.

Eleven and a Half Hours Later

After more than eleven hours on the water, every single kayaker crossed the finish line in Tewkesbury. From the youngest paddler to the oldest at 70, the team pulled together to complete this physically and mentally demanding journey.

They did more than just finish. Together, they raised over £10,500 for Headway Worcester — not including Gift Aid — providing vital funding and raising awareness for a cause that touches countless lives. The challenge also gained media attention across local newspapers and radio stations, shining a spotlight on the work Headway Worcester does in the community.

The Impact Beyond the Paddle

For those who took part, this was more than a fundraising event. It was a personal transformation. Many learned new skills, discovered confidence in the unknown and built connections that will last a lifetime. One participant shared how kayaking became not only a way to connect with his children but also great for your mental health.

This is exactly what Your Adventure Challenge is all about: building lasting memories, creating purpose-driven experiences and empowering people to achieve something extraordinary.

Meet the Paddle for a Purpose Team

• Steve Ennis – Business Doctors (Challenge Lead)
• Adrian Sunter – Pixertise Website Design
• James Edwards – Blue Squirrel Software
• Gill Hutchinson – Utility Warehouse
• Bert Diamond – Diamond Electrical Installations
• Oliver Lewis – Gaudet Luce Golf
• Ryan Sneddon – Worcester Physiotherapy
• Peter Rucinski – Assure Technical

Supported by Glen Jansen and Mandie Fitzgerald of Headway Worcestershire

Photography by Middlebrook Productions

The Malvern Hills Challenge is a strenuous but rewarding journey across one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the UK. In support of West Mercia Women’s Aid, a determined group of fundraisers took on the full length of the Malvern Hills, covering 9 miles and tackling 15 peaks with over 6,000ft of elevation gain.

With the expert guidance of Mark Stancer and the Your Adventure Challenge team, the group set off from North Quarry Car Park in Malvern, making their way along steep but manageable trails, across ancient Bronze Age hill forts, and through some of the most stunning viewpoints in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.

A Challenge to Remember

Taking approximately six hours, this strenuous hike tested endurance, teamwork, and determination. The rolling hills and steep ascents made for a physically demanding route, but the sense of achievement at Chase End Hill in Ledbury was well worth the effort. Throughout the challenge, participants pushed themselves to new limits, supported by the Your Adventure Challenge team to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience.

A Word from West Mercia Women’s Aid

“Mark and the team at Your Adventure Challenge were brilliant, thank you!
Mark worked closely with us at West Mercia Women's Aid to organise our Malvern Hills Challenge. He was on hand throughout the whole process and was keen to answer any questions we had. On the day, the team ensured that our challenge was enjoyable and safe and that everything went to plan! Thank you for making this experience so wonderful!”

Take on the Malvern Hills Challenge

Whether you’re looking for a fundraising challenge, a team-building adventure, or a personal test of endurance, the Malvern Hills Challenge is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Malvern Hills while pushing yourself to new heights.

Ready to take on your next adventure? Join Your Adventure Challenge and start planning today.

In 2022, a dedicated team of fundraisers took on the full 85-mile River Wye Kayak Challenge, paddling from Glasbury-on-Wye to Redbrook in support of Macmillan Hereford. Their incredible journey, which raised vital funds for charity, was an unforgettable experience. (Read more about their adventure here: 85-Mile Kayak Trip Fundraiser)

A year later, in 2023, we returned to the river to mark the occasion with a more relaxed but equally rewarding Anniversary Paddle and Walk, covering a scenic 16-mile stretch from Glasbury-on-Wye to Whitney-on-Wye. This special event brought together 26 adventurers who joined us to relive the magic of paddling through one of the UK’s most beautiful rivers.

A Perfect Weekend on the Water

Blessed with beautiful weather, the group set off on their kayaks, gliding through calm waters under the sun. Suncream became an essential piece of kit as the golden rays reflected off the crystal-clear river, making for an unforgettable journey through the Wye Valley’s stunning landscape.

Throughout the trip, the group was constantly in awe of the river’s winding course, its peaceful surroundings, and the incredible abundance of wildlife. The first day offered some of the clearest waters we’d ever paddled on, with herons, egrets, cormorants, and kingfishers lining the banks in numbers we'd never seen before. The local birdlife certainly knows a good fishing ground when they find one!

A Journey to Remember

This Anniversary Paddle wasn’t about speed or endurance—it was about soaking in the experience, taking time to appreciate the beauty of the River Wye, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow adventurers. From peaceful stretches of water to moments of laughter shared along the way, it was the perfect way to honour the spirit of adventure that defined the original challenge.

Join Us for the Next Adventure!

At Your Adventure Challenge, we love creating unforgettable journeys, whether it’s a tough endurance test or a scenic, relaxed expedition like this one. If you’re feeling inspired, why not join us for our next River Wye trip—or plan your own bespoke adventure?

While most people were enjoying watching the 70th Jubilee celebrations on TV or having street parties to mark the occasion, Mark Stancer of Your Adventure Challenge and Steve Ennis took Chris Roff on a three day adventure challenge kayaking 85 miles along the River Wye, starting out on June 2 at Glasbury-on-Wye and finishing below Monmouth at a tiny village called Redbrook on June 4.

The trip was a fundraiser for MacMillan Hereford as a tribute to Chris's Dad, Nigel Roff, who passed away in April 2022 after a short battle with cancer - the team at Hereford MacMillan had been incredibly supportive.

We were blessed with beautiful weather over the first two days - suncream was the day’s essential travelling companion and we were left constantly marvelling at the glorious course the river takes you on. We'd never kayaked on clearer waters than the stretch between Glasbury & Hereford. The local birdlife know a thing or two about happy fishing grounds and while we get our fair share of herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers and the like on the Avon, we'd never seen such an abundance of wildlife on the Wye during our first day.

The first day saw us kayak through Hay-on-Wye who had "A" list celebrities in town for the book Festival in the shape of Hilary Clinton - the town was packed, but the river was incredibly quiet and devoid of any motorised boats and exceptionally few canoeists or kayakers. We had many occasions where we might paddle for an hour or two without seeing another person - it really was completely tranquil, and each bend in the river brought another outstanding view and further wildlife to be admired and gazed upon.

Day 1 ended at Hereford Rowing Club where we were met by Chris's family and friends and members of staff from MacMillan Hereford.

An early night followed in Hereford where we ate out in a local hostelry before getting underway again on day 2 for the next stretch to Ross-on-Wye. We could hardly believe that a journey that might take no more than 30 minutes in a car could take 30 miles by river.

As you might imagine the river meanders enormously on this stretch through bucolic countryside that looks untouched by modern life. By now, we'd also got the hang of the relatively straightforward rapids that you can encounter, and I was reminded of my "O" level geography lessons from 40 years ago that informed the water runs best on the outside bends.

We also marvelled at the rivers stock of fish - salmon were leaping out of the water every other minute of the day and Mark got the fright of his life when a 7-8Ilbs salmon landed on his kayak almost causing him almost to capsize with the shock of taking on an extra passenger!

Our final day saw us complete the most touristy stretch of the river around Symonds Yat - the riverside pubs were doing brisk Bank Holiday business, and we had to be on our toes to negotiate the tricky rapids at the far end of Symonds Yat. Once on the last leg to Monmouth the traffic on the river disappeared and before too long, we had reached journey's end at Redbrook and the welcoming sight of a deserved pint at Redbrook's Boat Inn.

The three days had been blessed with perfect weather, we raised £2,000+ for MacMillan Hereford and Chris did his much-missed Dad proud by completing the journey having had no experience at all of kayaking. The three of us were sure of one thing, we'll be back on the Wye in the near future to savour the beauty of the surroundings and abundant wildlife the river gives the traveller to enjoy. If you haven't been, you owe it to yourself to diarise a day trip.

In an extraordinary test of endurance, determination, and resilience, Emmi and Maddy took on the National Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the Epilepsy Society—and absolutely smashed it! Completing the challenge within the strict 24-hour timeframe, they tackled the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales in the ultimate endurance test, raising over £2,500 for an incredible cause.

Guided by Mark Stancer and the expert Your Adventure Challenge team, including Glen and Keith, they braved torrential rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and treacherous driving conditions to achieve their goal. Their success is a testament to their grit, strength, and sheer determination.

A Record-Breaking Start

The adventure kicked off in Scotland with Ben Nevis (1,345m), and Emmi and Maddy wasted no time in setting a blistering pace. Their ascent and descent were completed in record-breaking times, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey. Guided by Mark, they powered through the rugged terrain, proving they were more than up for the challenge.

Battling the Elements at Scafell Pike

From Scotland, the team journeyed south to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike (978m), where they were met with extreme weather conditions. Torrential rain, thunderstorms, and lightning made this leg of the challenge particularly dangerous, but with expert guidance from Glen and Keith, they tackled the unpredictable terrain head-on. Despite the elements throwing everything at them, they kept pushing forward, refusing to let the storm dampen their spirits.

The Final Push: Snowdon & A Surprise Treat

With fatigue setting in but the finish line in sight, Emmi and Maddy made their way to Wales for the final ascent up Snowdon (1,085m). The early morning climb was tough, but with Keith’s expert leadership—and his legendary magic bag full of surprises—the team made steady progress towards the summit.

At the top, Keith produced a flask of hot Vimto, a nostalgic drink Emmi and Maddy hadn’t had since childhood. After hours of climbing in brutal conditions, the unexpected treat was the perfect morale boost, warming them from the inside out and marking a special moment of reflection before the final descent.

Words from Emmi & Maddy

Their journey was more than just a physical test—it was an emotional and deeply personal experience. Reflecting on the challenge, Emmi shared:

“I’ve been trying to find the words to explain my feelings about the last couple of days... It’s so hard to explain how grateful we are. You are the most warm and welcoming man... it’s not often you can talk to someone you’ve only just met for six hours and still have plenty to say!!

We also wanted to say how appreciative we are for how well you organised everything. The guides you chose were absolutely unbelievable. Glen was so relaxed and chilled, like nothing was a bother to him—just what we needed. Keith (I love this man) was so well organised. His magic bag, that was bigger than him, had everything you could possibly think of (the dry gloves were a lifesaver), and he made us feel so, so, so safe in his company.”

A Challenge to Remember

Emmi and Maddy took on one of the most demanding endurance challenges out there—and absolutely nailed it. Overcoming extreme weather, exhaustion, and the relentless push to meet the 24-hour deadline, they demonstrated immense perseverance and heart.

Not only did they achieve their goal, but they did so in support of an important cause, raising over £2,500 for the Epilepsy Society. Their journey is a reminder of what’s possible when determination meets expert support.

Take on Your Own Adventure

Inspired by Emmi and Maddy’s journey? Whether you're looking to push yourself to the limit with the full 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge, or prefer a flexible option to take in the scenery at your own pace, Your Adventure Challenge will create the perfect experience for you.

In 2024, Your Adventure Challenge had the honour of organising a unique version of the National Three Peaks Challenge in aid of American suicide prevention. This wasn’t the typical high-pressure 24-hour race against the clock—instead, it was the flexible option, allowing our adventurers to take a more relaxed pace, savour the breathtaking scenery, and create unforgettable memories.

The challenge was taken on by three inspiring sisters, Nancy, Susan, and Karen, who travelled all the way from the United States to the UK. With the support of the Your Adventure Challenge team and their guides, the sisters successfully summited two of the three peaks—Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales—raising several thousand dollars for a vital cause.

A Journey of Resilience, Beauty, and Togetherness

From the outset, this challenge was about more than just reaching the summits. It was about taking on something extraordinary while enjoying the natural beauty of Scotland, England, and Wales, and above all, supporting mental health and suicide prevention.

The adventure began at Ben Nevis, where the sisters were guided by Rich, one of the most experienced mountain guides in the UK. Despite the unpredictable weather and a gruelling pace, the team managed to adapt and savour their climb. Halfway through, the decision was made for Nancy, who faced worsening conditions, to descend with Scott, part of the Your Adventure Challenge team. This allowed Susan and Karen to successfully summit.

Next came Scafell Pike, the second peak, but unforeseen circumstances, including a mountain rescue and deteriorating weather, led to the decision to skip this leg of the challenge. Instead, the team took the opportunity to enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, embracing the flexibility of their bespoke itinerary.

Finally, the group tackled Snowdon. With Keith, an experienced Snowdon guide, leading the way, the team began their climb via the Pyg Track in the early hours. Though the summit remained out of reach, the decision to descend via the Miner’s Track provided a stunning walk through the Welsh landscape that became a highlight of the trip.

A Testament to Flexibility and Support

Throughout the adventure, the Your Adventure Challenge team—led by Mark, alongside Sonia and Scott—ensured that every aspect of the trip was tailored to the sisters’ needs and abilities. “This was our adventure,” said Nancy, “and they reminded us of that every step of the way.”

The sisters’ journey was a testament to what makes Your Adventure Challenge special: a personalised, supportive approach that puts the participants’ experience at the heart of the challenge.

Reflections from Nancy

“Never in my life did I imagine I would be describing an outdoor adventure as the perfect trip, but the National Three Peaks Challenge with Mark and the Your Adventure Challenge team was just that.

My sisters and I had originally booked on with a different group, who cancelled on us with about a month to spare. Coming from the US, with reservations made and vacation from work booked, we were not in a position to change dates, and our original group suggested I reach out to Mark to see if he might help us out.

From the first meeting, Mark made us feel like we would be well looked after. He was also honest that it’s a challenge and we might not make it in 24 hours—or at all. Spoiler alert, we did not.

Still, from the moment Mark and two friends, Scott and Sonia, who were both experienced climbers, picked us up, it was an amazing experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better adventure than the one we had with the Your Adventure Challenge team. There aren’t enough ways to thank everyone for the amazing experience.”

Looking Ahead

Nancy, Susan, and Karen were so inspired by their experience that they are returning to Your Adventure Challenge this year for a bespoke adventure through Scotland, England, and Wales. We are thrilled to be working with them again to create another unforgettable journey.

This story exemplifies what Your Adventure Challenge is all about: pushing boundaries, embracing the beauty of the great outdoors, and supporting meaningful causes along the way.

If you’re inspired by the sisters’ story, why not join us for your own adventure? Whether you’re looking for a challenge to push your limits or a bespoke experience designed just for you, we’re here to make it happen.