Asset Alliance Group trio Suki Chana, Martyn Bellis and Darren Fitzpatrick have completed a kayak challenge, paddling across the English Channel, to raise funds for Transaid. The team crossed from Dungeness to Boulogne on 29 September and reached the finishing line in 5 hours and 45 minutes, covering 18.5 nautical miles.
Suki, a Senior Credit Manager at Asset Alliance Group, only kayaked for the first time in July. “We did it! Crossed the Channel yesterday! All three of us are well and healthy, albeit with a few aches,” he said.
Commercial Director Martyn described the crossing as “one of the biggest challenges of my life,” adding that while physically tough it was arguably more mentally gruelling due to rough seas. “Today my body is broken, I ache all over, I would never do this again… but I’m so chuffed that I did it. Darren Fitzpatrick and Suki Chana, this is what teamwork is all about,” he said.
Sales Director Darren echoed Martyn’s sentiments, describing himself post-crossing as ‘drained but elated.’ He added his thanks to the safety boat team and the trio’s sponsors, saying: “an amazing weekend and what an experience.”
The trio said they wish to thank everyone for their donations to date, which has seen them surpass their fundraising target and raise more than £7,500 for the international development organisation. The funds will allow Transaid to continue to deliver life-changing impacts by providing safe, accessible, and sustainable transport solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as delivering vital medical supplies to remote regions.
Maddy Matheson, Head of Fundraising at Transaid, commented: “This was an incredible achievement by three colleagues who were determined to mark Asset Alliance Group’s first year as Transaid corporate members in the most unique fashion possible. We are hugely grateful for their efforts in raising such a significant sum of money.”
