Two teams from the UCLH Radiotherapy department will be going head to head this autumn in a 24hour adventure event for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.  The 'Irradiators', three radiographers, have laid down the gauntlet to the 'Fizzycysts', three physicists, as they all take on the 24seven Challenge.

Taking place on the banks of Lake Windermere in the Lake District on 10/11 October, the 24seven Challenge comprises seven different physical and mental challenges.  The teams will cover a marathon distance (26.2 miles) by foot, bike and canoe, as well as encountering many surprising mental tasks and surprise challenges along the way.  But this is all that will be divulged about event until it begins, as 24seven is shrouded in a veil of mystery up until just before the entrants set off.

The Irradiators are made up of Kevin Sullivan, Jo Keeble and Mark Williams,who are all radiotherapy radiographers with many years experience of treating and supporting paediatric patients and their families.  Kevin said, "We have never done anything like this before; it is a great mix of trying a new challenge and doing something for charity. We have CLIC Sargent care professionals, social workers and play specialists, in our building and they help so many children and young people with cancer."

He continued, "We are really looking forward to taking part in 24seven and are determined to beat the Fizzycysts!  We have no illusion that we will win the event but we hope we can beat them."

 

When the Fizzycysts heard the Irradiators had entered the event they knew the challenge was on and got their entry in.  Their team is made up of Helen Grimes from Romford, Vasilis Rompokos from Muswell Hill and Phil Davies from Ruislip.  They have been doing some of their training with the Irradiators, but on the day of the event they will be opponents. 

Helen said, "We were excited yet daunted when we heard about the challenge of doing seven gruelling challenges over a 24 hour period, covering the distance of a marathon. We aren't sure what we have let ourselves in for but we are determined to do our best to raise money for CLIC Sargent as well as beat our local rivals the Irradiators - boo!"

Last year's 24seven Challenge, which took place in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, began with a mini duathlon, followed by kayaking down the River Wye.  Participants then faced a 530 piece jigsaw, a 10 mile orienteering course through caves and across water, mountain bike trails with memory tests and an ominous task aptly named 'Water Torture', amongst other challenges! 

The event raised over £40,000 for CLIC Sargent and the teams from UCLH, are keen to help add to that total this year.  As money is donated, teams are rewarded with clues and items of equipment which will help them on event day.  Everyone can keep track of how well they are doing and sponsor the team on their interactive webpage at www.24sevenchallenge.co.uk/FizzyCysts and www.24sevenchallenge.co.uk/theIrradiators 

Beverley Mackenzie, Challenge Events Manager for CLIC Sargent said: "We are really excited about this year's event! We've changed the challenges and the location and we hope to have lots more people from different walks of life taking part.  It's great to see teams like the Irradiators and Fizzycysts entering and there is still room for more teams to enter, or you can take part as an individual. 

"Even though we can't guarantee the teams they will win, we can assure them they will have a great time!  The most important challenge is to raise as much money as possible to help families whose lives have been turned upside down by childhood cancer.  Every penny raised really can make a big difference."

The venue is ready, the date is set and the goal is clear - raising money for children and young people with cancer, and their families.  Entries are now open, so make sure you secure your place by visiting www.24sevenchallenge.co.uk today or call 0845 602 7315.

October 10th/11th is THE must do weekend of 2009.