THE GREAT WHITE HOPE(FUL)

We all want to save the world right? I'm banking on this being true and my leveraging of this fact to gain your support with this effort! Let's assume for now that it's true and we all want to save the world, why specifically am I focussing on fundraising in this instance for Alzheimer's Society by climbing the highest mountain in the Alps with Covea's InsureTrek 2018??

Over the past few years I’ve made no secret of my great admiration for Covea Insurance and of my desire to emulate their progressive and positive work culture within my own organisations. As businesses we check in with each other on a regular basis and provide advice and support on a huge number of important issues. So when they approached me to help with InsureTrek 2018 and raising funds for Alzheimer's, I was really keen to join in. Philanthropy is key to my business strategy and personal development. 

So far, so Sam.   

However, also in typical me fashion, I agreed before fully investigating the finer details of the challenge. I was sat having dinner with an incredibly fit friend of mine whereupon when I casually mentioned my mission, he blanched and with a look of abject horror on his face asked me if I had begun training. At this point it's fair to say that the true gravity of my situation sank in. No matter, I do love a challenge as you all well know. It's like a red rag to a pretty small yet feisty bull. 

I am pleased to inform you that my training schedule arrived pretty soon after that eye opening dinner and I am well on track to the required physical fitness to trek to an altitude of 2665m. The thing I'm most concerned about is leaving behind my heels - most people have no idea how short I actually am!

In all seriousness, although luckily I have no personal direct experience of the absolute horror dementia wreaks not just on the individual but on those closest to the sufferer, I personally cannot imagine anything worse than losing the person you are closest too in a mental capacity before losing them in a physical capacity. It must be one of the cruelest forms of torture. Anything that serves as a call to action both in terms of raising vital funds and awareness has to be a good thing in my view. 

Those of you in the insurance industry will be familiar with some of my fellow trekkers, the infamous Ian Donaldson, Chris Patterson and various other less than savoury characters. What a motley crew we will make. So if not for the very worthy cause or as encouragement for me as I put myself through physical hell, then at least, take pity on me for the company I shall be keeping. Donate and provide me with some small solace in the knowledge that I have to spend more than 96 hours in the company of many of the insurance industry’s most notorious and troublesome individuals - this is surely the true nature of the challenge!

Sending you lots of love and gratitude in advance for your support!

Sam x 

More information about InsureTrek 2018:

In January 2018, Covéa Insurance announced the launch of a three-day trek that aims to raise at least £75,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society as part of the Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD) initiative.

The trek will be headed up by Commercial Lines & HNW Director Simon Cooter. Simon has been recruiting colleagues and friends across the industry for the ‘Mont Blanc Massif Trek’ in September, a challenge he has dubbed “InsureTrek 2018”, as part of a wider commitment to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The IUAD initiative was formally launched in early 2017 and it calls on the insurance industry to unite to raise £10 million for dementia research, a subject close to Simon’s heart.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever.Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.