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Last weekend, a team of 4 Essential Cuisine team members successfully completed the Trailwalker Challenge – a 62 mile trek (100km) across the South Downs that needed to be completed in under 30 hours, raising life-changing money for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

The trek covered some of the most beautiful countryside in England, following the historical paths of the South Downs Way, over rolling chalk hills and past stunning sea views.

The team, Emma Harvey, Conner Preston, Gary Kilminster and Robin Dudley set off from Queen Elizabeth Country Park at 8am on Saturday 22nd September where they were greeted by their support crew, Ronnie Smith and Dan Millington roughly every 10km to re-fuel and pick up additional items of kit.

After putting their minds, bodies and camaraderie to the test, with gritted smiles and many blisters, the team reached the end of the trail at Brighton Racecourse after 26 hours of non-stop walking at 10am on Sunday 23rd September where they received a hero’s welcome, a medal and a delicious Nepalese curry.

So far, the team have raised £1,720 for Oxfam, a fantastic charity that work tirelessly to help others overcome poverty and suffering. There is still time to donate here.
 
Support crew member, Ronnie Smith said, “Shear grit and determination got the team through with the odd cup of hot soup, bacon roll, and a change of socks with an extra dousing of talcum powder at every stop!”
 
Trailwalker hero, Gary Kilminster added, “I will remember this challenge for a long time to come, the funny bits, the emotional bits, that last 1km, but above all the team spirt that got us around. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends and colleagues to do this with.”
 
Team captain, Emma Harvey described the experience as, “ Mental torture – but stunning views, great company and unreal support team made it all worthwhile.”
 
General Manager, Heather Wilde commented, “The team at Essential Cuisine couldn’t be more proud of this achievement. As a business, we are passionate about raising money for charities close to our hearts. Since 2018, we have donated over £30,000 to charities such as Crisis, St Luke’s Hospice and Hospitality Action. We are already planning our next charitable challenge – watch this space.”