What the Venari Partners Challenge achieved in 2023

British Army Officer Guy has been involved with charity work since his teens. A single dad who suffered domestic abuse and a long legal battle for custody of his children, Guy can’t wait to see the sights of Petra while raising money for the children’s charity Kids on Track.

Helen was in remission from lymphoma when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year; she has since undergone a mastectomy and chemo. Helen credits her love of running with supporting her physical and mental health alike. She wants to be a role model to her three kids by raising money for Lymphoma Action.

Super mum of one Nina is living with Stage 4 triple negative breast cancer, and all thanks to a clinical trial that is currently slowing down its growth, buying her more time. She’s keen to spread positive energy in the face of difficult challenges while raising money and awareness for Black Women Rising, a charity dedicated to supporting Black women with cancer.

Helen struggled with her mental health after her husband, who was bipolar, passed away three years ago. After receiving help from the mental health charity Mind, she ran hundreds of consecutive half-marathons to raise money for them, earning a Guinness World Record in the process. She will continue this excellent work by participating in the Venari Partners Challenge. 

Leighton has shown incredible resilience since his baby daughter was diagnosed with one of the world’s rarest cancers last year. He’s supported her and his family through months of chemotherapy and numerous surgeries – and, by raising money for the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity in the Venari Partners Challenge, Leighton can aid an organisation that has directly helped his daughter.

Andrew was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease two years ago. He’s no stranger to fundraising – after being signed off last year, he earned a Guinness World Record for the longest game of beach touch rugby while raising over £50k for MND charities. He was nominated for the Venari Partners Challenge by his sister, Sarah. 

It’s a family affair for Sarah: she nominated herself and her brother, Andrew, who was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease two years ago. Sarah has supported Andrew through his diagnosis and is looking forward to fundraising for MND charities while creating precious memories with her brother in Petra.  

Sura was nominated by DAE Engineering CEO Jeff Wilkinson and JORAMCO CEO Fraser Currie. She accepted the challenge to help the charity in Wadi Mousa “Petra”.

She has been hiking and trekking in Jordan since 2013, and is proud to take on the Challenge, raising money for a charity that helps look after orphans in the winter season.

Solenn is Venari Partners' Marketing Manager, and will be joining the team trekking to Petra. She decided to fundraise for the National Deaf Children's Society after her best friend's first child, Alice, was diagnosed with deafness. 

The National Deaf Children's Society is an unwavering advocate for deaf children's rights, providing expert support, raising awareness, and championing equality.

Chris is a Senior Consultant within the Aviation & Aerospace team at Venari Partners. He hopes with this trek through Jordan along to Petra, vital funds can be raised to aid CALM with all of their efforts.

Every week, 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. CALM exists to change this by offering life-saving services, provoking conversation and bringing people together to reject living miserably. £8 is enough to fund one potentially life-saving call.