Industry charity Hospitality Action has launched two 2024 epic challenge events, as they task the hospitality workforce to come together and do their bit to support colleagues in need.
Cotswold Cycle Challenge
Returning after a five-year hiatus, the celebrated Cotswold Cycle Challenge is back by popular demand. Taking place on Monday 13 May and kindly hosted by the charming Calcot & Spa in Tetbury, this much-loved industry event will host 125 like-minded cyclists who will journey across the picturesque Cotswold countryside, but not before indulging in a delicious mighty pasta Supper Party the night before at Calcot & Spa to fuel bodies and minds in preparation for the big ride.
To cater for cyclists of all abilities, participants are invited to join one of four stunning cycle routes, each starting and ending at Calcot & Spa: 20, 40, 60 or 100 miles.
Hospitality is at the core of this event with sumptuous feeding stations enroute at some of the most spectacular hotels in the region including Whatley Manor, The Castle at Castle Combe, and the Village Hall in Barnsley. Upon reaching the finish line, cyclists will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne Taittinger donated by Hatch Mansfield, and the day will conclude with a congratulatory BBQ at Calcot & Spa.
Funds raised from this challenge will go directly towards helping people from the hospitality industry, working and retired, who have fallen on hard times.
The Summer Challenge
The Summer Challenge returns in 2024 for its 5th year, challenging colleagues and teams from across the industry to collectively travel 40,000 miles whether that be by walking, running, cycling, wheeling or swimming – every mile counts.
Taking place between 7 – 17 June and sponsored by CH&CO, this inclusive event invites everyone to show off their sporting prowess in whatever form that may take. From swimming 10 lengths, cycling to work every day for a week or going on an epic dog walk, to running a marathon or scaling Ben Nevis, this morale-boosting annual fundraising event will help resolve the age-old question of whether front-of-house or back-of-house has the greatest stamina and decipher whether housekeeping can achieve more steps in a day than the restaurant floor team. Most importantly, it will make a noticeable positive difference to those in crisis within the hospitality industry.
Last year, 905 participants from a range of hospitality businesses participated in the Summer Challenge, raising over £85,000 for the charity, including Adam Skrzypczak, General Manager of Aviator Hotel, Hampshire who said: “Being part of Hospitality Action’s Summer Challenge was an extraordinary experience for Team Aviator. It was a rewarding week that not only surpassed our fundraising goal but also energised everyone involved. We were proud to be a part of such a meaningful cause.”
Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, Mark Lewis, said: “We know recent years rank amongst the toughest we’ve ever seen, with a record number of people calling upon us for help and support, and 2024 is no exception. Since the start of the pandemic, we have awarded 12,000 grants, totalling £4,000,000 and answered tens of thousands of calls via our helplines.
“Summer 2024 promises a prestigious lineup of sporting events including the Euros, Wimbledon, the Olympic Games, Hospitality Action’s Summer Challenge and Cotswold Cycle Challenge. We urge as many individuals and businesses as possible to be part of the sporting action this summer and go the distance in aid of Hospitality Action.”
To find out more about each event and to register, email: fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk or visit Summer Challenge / Cotswold Cycle Challenge. Please note: Cotswold Cycle Challenge can accommodate a maximum of 125 participants.
