A Windsor resident is bracing for a rigorous fitness challenge involving running, kayaking, and hiking in hot and humid conditions this autumn, all for charity.
Graeme Sanders, 46, will undertake a gruelling 50-mile itinerary in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines alongside his colleagues at Unique Vacations UK Ltd, an affiliate of Sandals Resorts.
The team, of which Mr Saunders is lead senior manager, hopes to raise £100,000 for The Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International which aims to give back to the Caribbean communities it calls home.
It is not Mr Saunders' first challenging fundraiser, as 2023 saw him and a team of 24 other ultra-marathon runners endure 25 kilometres per day over four days in the Caribbean heat, eventually raising £101,216, again for The Sandals Foundation.
Last year's funds were donated by The Sandals Foundation to The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the SickKids Caribbean Initiative, and went towards a transport incubator for vulnerable neonates, among other equipment.
This autumn's agenda features a half-marathon around Bequia (the largest island in the Grenadines), several 15-kilometre runs, 22 miles of sea kayaking, and an all-day hike to the summit of La Soufrière, St Vincent and the Grenadine's active volcano.
The challenge will take place over four days during October.
It aims to fund paediatric health services, including new equipment for the main healthcare facility serving the entire population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
Some of the money raised is planned to fund new equipment, and support healthcare facilities, in the Southern Grenadine islands as well.
Mr Saunders said: "After the success of the Island Run – Antigua last year, we were inspired to continue our efforts in raising funds for paediatric facilities and essential medical equipment in the Caribbean.
"By taking part in these physically demanding challenges, we can give something back to the destinations in which our resorts operate, whilst challenging ourselves at the same time.
"Not only are we raising awareness of the needs of the Caribbean communities and encouraging more people to contribute towards the important work of The Sandals Foundation, but we are simultaneously creating fantastic team bonding opportunities for our own staff to take part in.
"Following the passing of Hurricane Beryl, we also wanted to use some of the money raised for hurricane relief efforts in the Southern Grenadine islands where some of the healthcare facilities need repairing and new medical equipment as a result."
More information is available at the JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/islandchallenge2024
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here