The 2008 Challenge

From 11-15 June 2008 118 teams from top UK businesses congregated in Stirling, in the heart of Scotland where the lowlands meet the highlands – supplying a dramatic backdrop for teams to go head to head.

Competitors experienced some of the UK’s most exhilarating landscapes, racing up ancient mountain passes and across legend filled lochs. Taking part in eight gruelling stages, teams solved puzzles, cycled in the dark, canoed around the magnificent waters of Loch Ard and even found time to build a chariot.

The ultimate challenge combined mental agility with physical strength pitting teams against one and other in a three hour race interspersed with mental puzzles which incurred time fines if got wrong. As the teams finally made their way across the line you could see the elation, exhaustion, relief and delight at completing this four day rollercoaster of a challenge!

Thanks to Microsoft’s sponsorship of the event and their ongoing relationship with the NSPCC, participating teams came together to raise vital funds for the NSPCC in the months before the event. In total over £550,000 was raised to protect vulnerable children and young people from abuse and neglect - enough to recruit and train 340 ChildLine volunteer counsellors. This would be a massive leap forward towards the NSPCC’s vision of answering every call for help.

“I know in my heart that if it weren't for ChildLine, I wouldn't be here." Gill, who called ChildLine after being sexually abused by her father.

Fundraising activities ranged from a 60 hour bikeathon to mammoth cake sales and even a Bollywood themed ball. Microsoft won the overall corporate fundraising trophy raising a phenomenal £144,000 collectively. Meanwhile HP took home the individual fundraising trophy raising a phenomenal £58,000. The commitment shown by participating teams was fantastic and makes a huge difference to the NSPCC and the children we help.

What did you think of the event in 2008?

“A great event that makes me want to do it again and again!”
“A great experience. Enriching and life affirming”
“Definitely having fun, competing, company profile and of course the money we raised for charity”