Whole Hog Challenge

How two supporters had a great day and raised funds for the rescue centre.

We successfully completed the 'Whole Hog Challenge' on Sunday 15th June 2008. The event was held at Alton Towers, Staffordshire. It was an eight mile race. However, it was a race with a difference. One had to complete mental and physical challenges along the route. The event was organised by 'Adventure Challenge Events' http://www.acefundraising.co.uk/wholehog_1.htm 

Climbing, wriggling and wading

Luckily, the weather on the day of the event was really warm and sunny. Most of the running was off-road through really pretty countryside. The challenges were many and various. For example:
1.    Climbing, or in our case scrambling, up a tree with the aid of a rope.
2.   Wriggling through a very long and narrow underground tunnel. We both felt a little trepidation when confronted with this challenge.
3.   Wading through a river section. This became progressively deeper. Initially, it was up to our knees. However, eventually we were up to our necks in freezing water.
4.   Struggling through a section of extremely deep mud. A few competitors lost their shoes here.
5.   An army style assault course, complete with rope climb. One had to climb up it, fling oneself over the top and then climb down the other side.
6.   Climbing up a steep bank to Alton Castle, again using a rope. Once at the Castle, we then had to find our way through it. This was not as easy as it sounds. The inside had been completely blacked out. We couldn't see a thing. We had to find our way through by feeling along the length of a string.
7.   Walking along the length of what only can be described as a tightrope. One steadied oneself by holding onto a second rope strung overhead.

There were many other challenges… too many to describe in detail here.

Neither Laila nor I had ever competed in an event like this before. We did not really know what to expect.

After the race

However, we had an absolutely fantastic time. We completed all of the challenges along the route. We refused to take what the organisers called the "piglet option" (basically, this is an easier form of each challenge or a time penalty). Instead, we just took a deep breath and got on with whatever was thrown at us. I think our energy and determination came from the knowledge that we were raising money for an exceptionally good cause. We were just glad to be doing something to help raise money for Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre. We are both animal lovers. I am a volunteer dog walker with Freshfields, and Laila's Mum is employed in the cattery. We think that Freshfields do wonderful work and we hope that they will be able to continue their work in the years to come.

The "Whole Hog" event was really well organised. The atmosphere on the day was brilliant. The organisers were very welcoming. There were marshalls at each section, giving us tips and making sure everyone was safe. There were many other competitors. Many of them, like us, were beginners and aiming to complete the challenge for charity. All of the competitors were really friendly. There was a real feeling of comraderie. There was always someone shouting encouragement at you, or giving you a helping hand, when you were struggling to complete a challenge.

Soaking wet and filthy...

The starter gun went off at 12.30pm. We ran over the finishing line, soaking wet and filthy, to big applause at 3.15pm. Although shattered, we were absolutely elated. We weren't among the fastest competitors but nor were we the slowest. Apparently, results will be published on the acefundraising website. But to be honest, we are not really concerned with our time or position. We just wanted to finish. We wanted to run the route and complete all of the challenges to the best of our ability. And that is exactly what we did. I think the thing we will remember most about the "Whole Hog Challenge" is how much fun we had. We would definitely consider doing another challenge in the future. We would encourage anyone who wants to support Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre to get sponsored for a similar event.  You don't have to be an athlete, you just have to have a go. You will be surprised at how much completing an event like this will boost your confidence. Laila and I are still on a high!!

Having completed the “Whole Hog Challenge”, we set about the task of collecting our sponsorship money. Prior to the challenge, I set up an online sponsorship page www.justgiving.com/wholehog4freshfields
Our online target was £100. We exceeded this and raised £122 online. We also collected sponsorship money offline. Our offline total is £594. Altogether, we raised £716.