Super fit staff at Bath wealth management firm Epoch have raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity by tackling some of the world’s toughest and remotest terrain.
Managing partner Barry Newbury and co-founding partner Jon Rolfe have just returned from Central America where they completed a gruelling challenge in aid of The Lewis Moody Foundation set up by the former Bath Rugby star to help young people living with brain tumours and their families.
Over eight arduous days, the pair combined mountain biking, trekking and kayaking through the wilderness of Costa Rica, from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Their Herculean efforts raised an impressive £29,000 for the charity.
Barry, who has a personal interest in the work of the charity, said: “Having lost my close friend to a brain tumour in 2016, I was shocked to learn of the relative under-funding brain tumour research currently receives.
“So I’m proud that the money we have raised will go towards helping those affected by this devastating condition."
Jon added: "I fully expected my mind to be capable and my body to give out on me – but the reverse was true. I didn’t get a single blister but found it mentally exhausting. But it was all worth it and we would like to thank everyone who sponsored us so generously.”
Meanwhile, Epoch PA Helen Witcombe has raised another £20,000 for Children’s Hospice South West by trekking to the Everest base camp.
She also had to endure tough terrain and high altitudes during her two-week trek in Nepal in aid of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
“The trek was tough, really tough,” said Helen. “Getting to the base camp itself is a slog but then standing there drinking it all in and knowing you have to go back the same way you came – and it’s not all downhill – so you’re still a week away from having a shower and a celebratory drink, makes it all a bit more difficult to appreciate!
“The terrain is tricky, there are some steep ascents and also descents, a lot of dust, the diet is different, there is altitude to contend with and it’s very cold at night and in the morning. It’s a real assault on the body and mind. But it was all for a very worthwhile cause.”
Epoch offers a full spectrum of services ranging from traditional portfolio management for individuals to specialist investment and tax planning for corporate clients including businesses, trusts and charities.
It has been awarded the prestigious title of Accredited Financial Planning Firm by the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) and Corporate Chartered status by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
Pictured, top: From left, Epoch’s Jon Rolfe, Lewis Moody from the Lewis Moody Foundation and Barry Newbury from Epoch
Pictured, bottom: Epoch’s Helen Witcombe at the Everest base camp
