Virtue has signed up for couple of tough challenges this year to support our charity Andys Man Club, a vital organisation dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and well-being. One of the challenges was the 170ft Abseil at the Trafford Centre Palazzo Building. The other challenge was cycling 100km from Manchester to Blackpool. Everyone of the Virtue team as well as partners and friends have completed the challenge they signed up to.
Manchester Trafford Centre Abseil Challenge: Conquering Fears for a Cause
Team Virtue participated in the abseil challenge on Friday 28th June. The 170ft Palazzo Tower that was to be descend seemed extremely high for the challenge.
Sam, has signed up to do the abseiling event as he loves getting involved in all the charity work that Virtue does and saw it as a personal challenge due to being terrified of heights.
When arrived at the Trafford Centre the fear hit him all at once when he saw the 170ft tower that the team would drop from. He knew this was something he still wanted to do and felt a moral obligation to complete it and support the charity. The anxiety set in, but backing out was never an option.
Once he started putting on the gear and heading up the stairwell to the tower, nerves intensified but he kept pushing through. Finally approaching the perfectly good platform to jump off from his knees began to shake, and he struggled to approach the ledge. What he can’t thank enough for is his colleagues helping to get through it and hyping himself up. Additionally, the fantastic staff assured Sam about safety and showed that he can trust them and the equipment. It then came to it leaning backwards over the ledge, which was such an unnatural feeling. Sam struggled to keep his eyes open at all. He could see how high up he was. Starting the descent, he began going very slow gripping the rope with all his strength and through adrenaline his arm felt like jelly. After about halfway Sam started to enjoy himself as the fear of the height slowly faded away and he felt like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
Sam is so proud of himself for not backing out and taking the easy option. The abseiling is something he would give another go in a heartbeat.
When Ashley heard that we were raising money for Andy’s Man Club this year, he knew he would love to take part in an event to raise as much money as possible due to how important raising awareness of men’s mental health is. When the opportunity presented itself to take part in 170ft abseil, he could not wait to get signed up.
This was a fantastic opportunity to have a bit of fun (in his opinion), but also an opportunity to have real and honest conversations with colleagues about many of our feelings both in that moment and in general life. Finding these moments where you feel comfortable to open up and be vulnerable with people close to you are so important and an opportunity to support/gain support from others.
As Ashley headed towards the top of Trafford Palazzo building, it began to dawn on him how high 170ft actually is. The number of steps to get to the top was a challenge in itself! However, with all of those that signed up going through and throwing themselves into the challenge, it just shows how strong you can be when you have the support of those around you.
Gill also chose to do a charity challenge of abseiling 170ft down the Trafford Palazzo Tower. On the day the adrenaline rush you had when looking out from the highest point as well as coming together as part of the bigger Virtue team was just amazing. Friends/colleagues/family were cheering the team on from the bottom. At all times Gill felt well informed and safe and would certainly do this again as the achievement she got from completing this was very fulfilling, completely stepping out of her comfort zone but for such a good cause. We have raised a lot of funds which makes her very proud to have been part of such an activity.
Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride Challenge: Team Virtue Pedals for a Purpose
Team Virtue took part in a bike ride challenge on Sunday 14th July. It was a tough 100km ride from Manchester to Blackpool. The road consisted of tough up hills for the first half of the distance, then flatten for the remaining half.
Will reflected that the Manchester to Blackpool cycle ride was an amazing day and in true Virtue style, the team really did rise to the occasion. Aiming to set off together, unfortunately event logistics failed us but the bulk of us did ride together and we had a blast.
We were more than just cyclists. We were Team Virtue, united by a common goal – FINISHING. We faced the challenge of riding 100km with determination, enthusiasm and lots of sweets. It was not easy and we supported each other through the ups and downs, the hills and the flats, a bit if rain and even some sun. We motivated each other, we laughed and we lifted each other’s spirits. It was great that we also had our families and colleagues rooting for us along the way, giving us extra energy and motivation.
We crossed the finish line together, exhausted but proud of our achievement and our teamwork. It was an incredible day, one that we will never forget.
Roll on next year!
Danuta was very excited for the bike ride challenge. She never rode such a distance but was determined to complete it. Danuta faced the difficulties around 50km as the first half of the distance was full of steep hills. The hills were almost enough to break her resolve, but the unwavering support from the team made all the difference.
The cheers from supporters along the way further fuelled our determination, and the second half of the ride, with its flatter roads, was a welcome relief. The sense of unity and shared accomplishment at the finish line was a testament to the strength of their teamwork and the spirit of the event.
A challenging ride that tested us, said Conor, but as a team we pulled through! A rewarding and gratifying feeling having accomplished such a feat. Not only that but knowing that I have helped such a worthwhile charity which assists men in some of their most dire times has given me immense fulfilment.
Riding as part of the Virtue team was also a great demonstration of unity and synergy. Proving that with the support of others we can conquer any obstacle. With the help of one another we can get through anything.
Furthermore, using physical exercise as a means of bringing attention to our charity also helps raise awareness that exercise has proven to reduce anxiety and depression.
Overall, I feel overwhelmingly proud to be apart of the Virtue Team and await with pleasure the next opportunity to take part in another charity event.
Deep Appreciation to Our Sponsors
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors who have generously supported the noble cause promoted by Andys Man Club.
Your contributions have played a crucial role in empowering our efforts in raising funds and awareness of the mental health challenges facing men. Your commitment to this cause is not only appreciated but is making a real difference in the lives of countless individuals.
