Around the World in 80 days challenge triumph

North Wales Housing have successfully completed their ‘Around the World in 80 days’ challenge with 3 and a half days to spare this January.

At the end of October NWH launched the wellbeing and fitness challenge for staff, friends and family, aiming to walk, cycle or run 24,901 miles in 80 days. Not only did the housing association make it back to Llandudno Junction safely after traveling the world, they travelled a further 2,150 miles, finishing in Marrakesh in Morocco.

Emma Williams, Assistant Director Finance and head of the Charity Panel, said:

“When choosing the challenge we wanted to achieve two things. We wanted to help the health and wellbeing of staff, which like everyone else’s was struggling during the pandemic. Secondly, we wanted to raise money for charity. We thought this was the perfect idea. As well as taking part staff have also collected sponsorship that will go to this year’s charity, Awyr Las.”

“The challenge has gone amazingly well, better than we could ever have imagined and I am so proud of everyone who has taken part. It has brought people together in a special way and shown how much of a family NWH really are. We truly live in a beautiful part of the world and I have taken tremendous joy in seeing different parts of North Wales.” 

Residents in some of our schemes have also taken a keen interest in the challenge, in Hafod y Park, our Extra Care scheme in Abergele in particular.

Shelley Hughes, Hafod y Parc Scheme Manager explains:

“Residents asked me daily which country we had reached throughout the challenge, which helped motivate me to get my miles in. The challenge also gave them something to focus on every day, which is great comfort for them during the pandemic and its restrictions.”

All sponsorship money collected will be donated to this year’s charity, Awyr Las, the North Wales NHS charity.

Keen not to lose momentum, NWH have another challenge up their sleeve which they’ll be starting in February.