The Shire Cartel enters one of the toughest team challenges in the world

Trailwalker UK, which takes place on 17 and 18 July 2010, requires teams of four to cover a 100km (64mile) course across the South Downs in less than 30 hours. Teams are completing the challenge in order to raise money for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

The Shire Cartel team is made up of Graeme Critchley “Graphic Designer” (23), Adam August “Wedding Photographer” (24), Matthew Robison “Member of Mensa” (23) and Alex Sylt “Composition Student & Musican” (20).

“We wanted to really challenge ourselves and we enjoy physical and mental torture, Trailwalker was the perfect event.  By taking part in the event we will be raising money for two very worthwhile charities, the Welfare Trust who help Gurkha’s treated ashamedly by successive British Governments and Oxfam who provide vital aid and infrastructure around the globe.”  Adam August

Trailwalker was started by Gurkha soldiers in Hong Kong in 1981 as a training exercise to test endurance and encourage teamwork. The teams of four can be male, female, mixed or veterans. The teams must start together, go through each checkpoint together and finish the course together. Whether they walk or run the course most teams will still be going long into the night, and probably into the following day. Its tough but with the right training and mental attitude, any reasonably fit team should be able to complete the challenge.

The Gurkhas currently hold the record for completing the course in an amazing 9 hours and 50 minutes. But for most the challenge is about lasting the distance, and the average time taken is around 25 hours. Our target is to beat this.

As well as the challenge to complete the course within the time limit, The Shire Cartel must also raise at least £2,000 in sponsorship. These funds will support Oxfam’s work in relieving poverty and suffering around the world, and The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s community projects in Nepal.

Any one wishing to sponsor The Shire Cartel should contact Adam on 07709592755. Or visit our blog www.theshirecartel.blogspot.com, and our sponsorship page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/theshirecartel.

For further information or to arrange a photograph, please contact Graeme on 07724086001.

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