The second annual 24seven Challenge adventure event went off with a bang this October as teams and individuals made their way through a series of seven challenges in 24 hours, all to raise money for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

The event, which was set on the banks of Lake Windermere in the lake District, attracted participants from all over the country, eager to take on a physical and mental challenge of a different nature, but none of them knew exactly what was in store until each challenge began. 

24seven Challenge began at 12pm on the Saturday with the composition of a jigsaw map, which revealed directions to a mini duathlon and kayak across the lake. At each stage of this challenge, participants were given a mini cube puzzle to complete and once all three were done, they were presented with the mother of all cube puzzles - the Bedlam Cube - as seen in Dragon's Den.  The teams and individuals had until the event ended the following day to complete this puzzle but only three managed it and scooped 100 bonus points!

The afternoon saw participants take on a series of six challenges in a round robin format, which included an obstacle course in the forest, mountain bike trails and some more unusual tasks including Frisbee golf, climbing walls and mathematical equations! The first day culminated in a pub quiz back at camp, with a few drinks to wind down after a full day of activity.

Sunday morning began bright and early with a 6.30am wake up call to board a cruise boat that took participants along the lake to a drop off point where they were given an orienteering challenge that saw them trawling across the dales for the best part of the morning.  The event's final task required everyone to float a ball to the top of a cylinder by extracting water from the lake.  As each completed the task they cut a piece of string which, as the last person finished, raised a flag in the air to signify the end of 2009's 24seven Challenge.

The team challenge was won by Ed, Edd and Eddy, who gained a total of 688 points out of 1000 available throughout the event. Ed, Edd and Eddy is made up of Spencer Chapman from Watlington in Oxfordshire and Don Marsh and Paul Lowrie from Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire. Commenting on the event, Paul said:
"What really drew us to the event was the veil of uncertainty before and even during the challenge. We never knew what we we'd be doing next because the event titles were so cryptic.

"We had plenty of time to mull over the event on the five hour drive home and couldn't find a single bad thing to say about it. We had a fantastic weekend and met some great people along the way so thanks to everyone involved and the teams for all the effort they put in.  It was an event where winning took second place behind the fun of taking the challenges, alongside a great bunch of people, where you could relax in the evening and still yomp 13 miles the next morning.

"We were also very pleased to have raised money for such an excellent charity (over £1,700 so far) and we hope to be back next year."

The individual challenge was won by Steve Holliman from Neston in Cheshire, with 791 points.  Steve is embarking on a yearlong mission to raise £5,000 for CLIC Sargent through a series of 10 sporting events, the first of which was 24seven Challenge. 

Steve said, "The weekend was absolutely superb in all aspects and it is a great way to raise money and awareness for CLIC Sargent.  I met some fantastic people on the individual challenge and we all agreed that it was just as enjoyable to compete solo as in a team.  I was thrilled to win and would encourage others to sign up next year and give it their best shot."

The final challenge of 24seven was to raise sponsorship for CLIC Sargent. The more sponsorship each participant raised the more points and rewards they were given during the weekend.  The charity's Challenge Events Manager, Beverley MacKenzie said, "We are thrilled with the success that 24seven Challenge has experienced in its first two years and are hoping to raise £65,000 in total from both events.  The money raised will go directly towards helping the children and young people that are diagnosed with cancer and their families. We are the only organisation to offer all round care and support and this money will ensure that we can be there every step of the way."
 
Plans for next year's 24seven Challenge are already underway but will not be revealed for some time, in keeping with the mystery that surrounds the event until it is actually happening.  If you would like more information please see www.24sevenchallenge.co.uk or call 0845 602 7351.