Experian Employees Undertake 50KM Trailtrekker

On a damp and misty September morning, after months of intense training and mental preparation, four anxious Experian Ireland employees (and their superb support-team) rose bright and early to begin their 50km hike through the Mourne Mountains to raise vital funds for Oxfam Ireland.

Despite numerous Weather Reports suggesting that the big day would be dry and clear, on ‘T’ Day itself the weather was less amenable which made the already challenging trek all the more difficult.

At 8am on September 10^th 2011,Experian’s four intrepid trekkers (Ray Breen, Emily Drew, Brian Joyce, Suzanne O' Connell)  got off to quite a miserable start; as the heavens opened just as the team passed over the Start Line. Thankfully, the walk between the starting point and first check-point, where the support team was waiting with dry clothes and a much needed cup of tea, was relatively short, a ‘mere’ 10km.

According to the team, the second section was arguably the most challenging of the entire trek at a taxing 14.5km, over bog-like terrain and a number of raging streams. Hazardous weather and walking conditions, steep inclines and a few minor falls ensured that the team were kept challenged (and muddy) throughout. The route took the team around the foot of the Meelmore, Ott, Cock, Hen and Rocky mountains before they arrived at the second checkpoint with slightly dampened spirits, dirty clothes and starving bellies. A change of socks and  bandages, decent lunch and some encouraging words from the support team got the trekkers back on their feet again and raring to go on Section Three.

Thankfully for the trekkers, this 15km was more manageable, owing in no small part to the addition of support team members as motivators, but the final 13km , which was completed in total darkness, was extremely tough given that all team members were now suffering from extreme exhaustion and aching feet and legs. Thankfully, team spirit and morale won out and the team continued on. Thankfully for the trekkers, this 15km was more manageable, owing in no small part to the addition of support team members as motivators, but the final 13km , which was completed in total darkness, was extremely tough given that all team members were now suffering from extreme exhaustion and aching feet and legs. Thankfully, team spirit and morale won out and the team continued on.

Against the odds the team managed to complete the Trailtrekker challenge two hours ahead of schedule at 11.16pm . Greeted by a weary but proud support team, a glass of champagne and lots of cheers, the team quickly collapsed onto the nearest patch of grass rising only to collect their Medals and Certificates of Achievement. Speaking after the event Suzanne O’ Connell of the Experian Ireland Team said "I'm so proud of team In Experians! For most of us this was the biggest physical challenge we had ever taken on and much effort was put into preparing for the event. I'm personally really pleased I took part (and survived). It was a fantastic experience - the scenery was amazing and the sense of achievement at the end was huge!  I'd like to thank everyone in the team who helped raise sponsorship money and all our friends and colleagues for sponsoring us but most of all thank you to my team members who, throughout this experience supported each other 1000%".

The team has managed to raise a massive €5,000 in sponsorship money (well ahead of their 2,000 euro target).

Vital Stats:

4 x team members (Team “In Experians”: Suzanne, Ray, Emily & Brian)

5 x wonderful support team members

Water x approx 40 litres consumed

Cereal bars x far too many consumed

Lucozade (the very site of which now lead all team members to feel a little queasy)

4 x Very un-flattering rain-proof jackets/ponchos

8 x sore feet

1 less toe nail!!

53kms walked

€5,000 raised for Oxfam Ireland