Team Our Sansar set off in force this weekend to run and walk our socks off to raise funds for the launch of our home for street children in August. Friday evening saw half the team beginning the road trip up to Thornbridge Hall for a night of pre-challenge camping…. Finally arriving on site with hungry bellies and sleepy heads we were greeted with a bonus challenge… erecting our tents in the dark! Some of us faired better than others in this department but either way camp Our Sansar 2011 was born!
We were all very happy (and surprised) to find that the FSI were not expecting us small charities to suffer for our causes, we were welcomed with toilets better than those found in many bars, equipped with Molton Brown hand-wash and cream and loo roll aplenty! It didn’t stop there, hot showers and electric BBQ’s meant we were definitely glamping! And yes, we loved it!
Saturday morning we were awoken by sunny skies which revealed the beautiful scenery and the stunning Thornbridge Hall. Neighboured by a wood full of wild boar on one side (safely enclosed by an electric fence!), and a lovely lake on the other, we settled down for breakfast in the sun. And then it was time to earn our sponsorship money, time to don our matching t-shirts and make our way to the start line.
In true FSI style we were led in a pre-challenge mass warm up, a sight to behold I’m sure! Warmed and ready to go Team Our Sansar were off! Participants young, old and in between set off for their 4 or 10km challenges along the scenic route through the grounds of Thornbridge Hall. Runners and walkers alike were cheered on by enthusiastic scouts along the way, with everyone encouraging each other forward whatever their pace. The FSI challenge was a truly inclusive event, with first timers, seasoned runners and families all having the chance to support their causes in a fun environment. As you crossed the finish line you were rewarded with cheers from all, a much appreciated bottle of cold water and of course your ‘did it’ badge!
Challenge completed the adrenalin and sense of achievement both personal and for our charities were running high, I think I can safely say everyone had a good time. The hard part was over, team Our Sansar headed back to camp for a hot shower and fresh clothes! Refreshed and ready to celebrate we were rewarded for our efforts with a huge and delicious BBQ in the sunshine. Life was good!
A second nights camping under our belts and we were ready for the weekend finale – the summer garden party. We were treated to live music, home brewed beer, a craft fair, funfair and even an owl show! The perfect end to a great weekend!
We’d like to thank the FSI for putting on such a fantastic event and we’ve been promised it’ll be even better next year – who knows what they have up their sleeves!
And a massive thank you to all of the team and their sponsors, donations are still coming in but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as we know the final total. 100% of the money raised will be going towards our home for street children which will provide shelter, education and social workers to street children in Chitwan, Nepal. For more info see our projects.
THANK YOU!!
If you’d like to join team Our Sansar next year then please sign up for news updates by emailing [email protected] . Photos will be added to our Facebook page shortly, so take a look at https://www.facebook.com/oursansarNGO
