Building our team with Becky and Rae

What drew you to the challenge and the team leader role?

B: I love hiking and the outdoors, and have been exploring a lot of mountains in the UK over lockdown. I realised that I wanted to take on a new challenge next year, and climbing Kilimanjaro seemed like the perfect fit . I was drawn to the team leader role because I love the idea of motivating a group, and helping the team achieve a joint goal.

R: It has been something I have always wanted to do. For Dig Deep in particular, the training side of their ethos is what drew me in. Clean water is such a basic necessity and something every human being should have access too! So being able to lead a team, and being a part of making this happen would be such an amazing achievement.

Do you have any tips that you would give to those who are thinking about signing up to the challenge?

B: The most common concern people have is whether they can reach their fundraising target. I would recommend keeping in touch with Harry at Dig Deep and your team leader’s, because they can motivate you and give you some inspiration around how to get the ball rolling with fundraising. I would also advise them to keep in touch with the rest of the team on the group chat, it is a good way to get to know people, and can help keep you on track. Lastly, I would get involved in the fundraising events put on by your team leaders, they’re a good way to raise money and work together as a team (even if it is online right now). R: The only tip I have is just go for it! You never know until you try and you will always regret it if you don't and wonder what if. Life is too short.

How have you found the recruitment process?

B: Recruiting has been a fun process. It’s been great to talk to people about something I am so enthusiastic about. Initially we had quite a few close friends sign up, and the team has been growing through word of mouth, and through social media since.

R: The recruitment process has been a mixture of emotions, at the beginning we were getting a steady flow of sign ups, now we are slowing down a tad, but that isn't going to stop us, we have a goal to reach and we both want to reach it, where there is a will there's a way.

What sort of events do you have planned for your team?

B: We planned to host two fundraisers before Christmas: a static line solo skydive, and a paddle boarding challenge. Unfortunately we have had to push these events back to next year due to Covid. Instead we have organised an online Christmas yogathon. Kilimanscouser team members can take part to fundraise as well as those who aren’t part of the team! We also plan to work with MMA society at LJMU, to put on a charity fight, this is of course Covid dependent. R: We have also just hosted our first virtual Halloween fright fest social which included apple bobbing, pumpkin carving and fancy dress; we will be hosting a Christmas one too. We will also be completing the three peaks challenge as part of a social and training.

What are you most looking forward to?

B: I’m most looking forward to being part of, and leading the team, and taking on Kilimanjaro! I know there will be lots of fun between now and then, and I can’t wait to get to know everyone better.

R: I think actually watching our team form has been the most enjoyable part for myself so far and I cannot wait to get involved with our group fundraising events!

Keep up with the team on their Instagram page @Kilimanscousers.

Thank you so much both of you for speaking with us and being such incredible team leaders. We can't wait to see what you achieve in the coming months.

Have Becky and Rae inspired you? Learn about the different ways you can fundraise for and support Dig Deep: www.digdeep.org.uk/get-involved

If you would like to feature in our 'Confessions of a Fundraiser' series then get in touch by dropping us an email (support@digdeep.org.uk)