Two of creative communications specialist DRP Group´s executives have completed an extraordinary 200-mile endurance programme by foot, bike and kayak from the source of the River Severn to the sea.
CEO Dale Parmenter and Marketing and Engagement lead Alex Cottom undertook the project as a charity fund-raiser to celebrate DRP Group´s 45 years in business. It was called From the Source to The Sea and captured the imagination of national media outlets including the BBC while attempting to raise £20,000 for four chosen charities including event industry foundation Meeting Needs.
After setting off from Newtown in Wales, Dale and Alex started the journey on cycles on May 12 and headed to Shrewsbury and Ironbridge on their first day. On day two they launched their kayak from the Half Moon Pub for a gruelling paddle along the Severn River to Stourport-on-Severn nearly eight hours later. The following morning required an 8 am start for the kayaking to achieve an arrival target nine hours later at Bishops Walk, Nr Tewkesbury, Gloucester!
Day four ended at the Severn Bridge and the tidal connection with the sea, after enduring heavy rain and punctures along the way with some challenging waters.
“So many moments pushed us to the edge, cycling through torrential rain, wrestling with a few punctures, and kayaking through currents we probably had no business attempting,” said Parmenter. “But we kept going because this challenge was about what we can achieve when we come together, and it really is what the 45th anniversary of DRPG is all about.”
Team members from the rest of the group’s marketing team took on the role as support crew and through escorting the team along the route, they forged local knowledge and relationships, securing services of goodwill in bike shops, along with donations from B&Bs and passers-by across the four days.
“It’s been the most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done,” said Alex. “But the support from our team, the community and the charities has been incredible. We’re almost at our target, and we’d love for the DRPG network, clients, partners and beyond to help us cross that monetary finish line by the time we celebrate our anniversary in June.”
The challenge was organised in support of four charity partners: Meeting Needs, Wheels for All, Creative Futures, and the Severn Rivers Trust. Each organisation was selected based on its work within inclusivity, creativity, environmental conservation, and support of the events industry.
At the end of the challenge, the initiative has raised nearly half of the £20,000 target, with the team continuing to appeal for further support from DRPG’s network of clients, partners, and the public ahead of the group’s anniversary milestone in June. Sponsors for the cause include Attivo, ICE, The Chartered Institute of Export and OWB Creative.
To donate and support the fundraising effort, visit: Support the Source to Sea Challenge with DRPG! – GiveWheel
