A team from creative communications agency DRPG has completed a 200-mile charity challenge tracing the River Severn from its Welsh source to the Severn Bridge. The four-day Source to Sea Challenge, is part of the company’s 45th anniversary activities and aims to raise £20,000 for four nominated charities.
Led by CEO Dale Parmenter and marketing & engagement lead Alex Cottom, the route began at the river’s origin in the Plynlimon mountains of Wales and concluded at the Severn Bridge, spanning terrain by foot, bike, and kayak. The challengers faced adverse weather conditions and equipment issues, including persistent rain and multiple tyre punctures, adding to the logistical and physical demands of the journey.
“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 Dale Parmenter, CEO of DRPG. “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 challengers 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 Cottom. “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.