The Openreach employees endured rough terrains and freezing temperatures to raise money for the Armed Forces charity
A dozen Openreach employees have conquered challenging Icelandic terrain to give back to our Armed Forces and their families. A tough schedule of training, fundraising and preparation culminated when the SSAFA team banner was unfurled at the foot of Skógarfoss, one of the most breath-taking waterfalls in Iceland with a 60-metre drop.
The team of Openreach employees were all motivated to raise money to support the brave men and women who have protected our nation over the years. Many of them had personal or family links to the military – sometimes sad, giving the trip an added poignancy.
Having set off from the outskirts of Reykjavik on August 19th 2017, the team trekked together for hours each day through lava fields, frozen ground and dramatic scenery, before finishing on 23rd August. A group highlight was seeing the Northern Lights unexpectedly, which certainly helped to keep morale high.
Each participant had personally been tasked with a minimum target of £3,000 to fundraise for SSAFA, with all money raised going towards providing practical, emotional and financial support to members of the Forces family in need.
SSAFA became Openreach’s first formal Charity of the Year partner in 2015, kicking off a five year partnership. Since then, the employee community has now raised close to £100k for the Forces charity. Openreach’s own workforce includes more than 2,000 ex-service personnel, recruited over the past few years.
It’s not too late to show your support for this challenge –https://mydonate.bt.com/events/openreachicelandtrek2017/411132