Fuller’s ski challenge raises £6K for Special Olympics GB

A group of 13 Fuller’s employees took on a sponsored long-distance skiing challenge at the weekend, raising more than £6,000 for Special Olympics GB.

While the Special Olympics competitors were competing at The World Games in Abu Dhabi, our group was racing up and down the slopes in Engelberg, Switzerland, in a bid to cover as many miles – and raise as much cash – as possible. 

Donations have kindly poured in to support the cause from friends and families, other Fuller’s employees and suppliers. The fundraising page is still open for anyone who would like to join us in contributing to this worthy cause – visit our Virgin Money Giving Page.  

We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations so far. 

While skiing for charity may sound like more fun than hard work, the challenging mileage targets meant that everyone was skiing from dawn to dusk in the attempt to make their mileage. While legs were burning and feet aching in some steep and bumpy conditions, there were only a few minor casualties. 

These, and some of our other donors, deserve honourable mentions: 

• Dominic, who was hit by a snowboarder and continued to ski with painful, (possibly broken) bruised ribs.
• Jane, who tore a leg tendon before the event and was unable to start but was still a sterling fundraiser.
• Earl, who after a leg injury and joint replacement a few years ago had his first attempt at getting back on the ski slopes. 
• Liz, who gamely helped Earl carry all his gear up the mountain.
• Richard, who earned the moniker ‘Speed King’. 
• Peter, who earned the title of 'man of the moment' for skiing 41 miles in a day as part of their joint goal to ski 500 miles. 
• Amanda, who arranged the whole thing and made it all work so smoothly.
• The donors, who put in £500 each, as well as everyone else who contributed. Thank you so much from us all.

Back on the slopes: Fuller’s Sales Manager Earl Baker hits the slopes again after recovering from a leg injury. 

Fuller’s Digital Projects Manager Peter Graves said a lot of fun was had as Fuller’s employees from different parts of the company got to know each other in a non-work environment. 

“We normally arrange a few events like this each year and we are already looking forward to further opportunities to raise funds for the Special Olympics GB team and other charity partners.

“Not only does it help Special Olympics GB, but it also helps us to work better as a team when we’re back at Fuller’s, working to make our food, drink and customer experience as good as it can be.”

Competitors at the Special Olympics take part in a huge range of sports and the current World Games sees over 7,000 competitors with intellectual disabilities competing in 24 different sports. Visit Special Olympics GB to find out more.  

Team GB are on their way to an impressive medal haul – with the team already securing 24 gold, 22 silver and 15 bronze medals. With another two days still to go – that haul seems certain to rise. Well done to all the competitors – and, of course, our skiers for helping to secure further funds for this great charity. Click here to see the latest results.