Sandals Resorts staff to climb volcano during 50-mile challenge

A team from Sandals Resorts will tackle a 50-mile challenge in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this autumn to help children across the Caribbean, including premature babies.

The challenge will include a half marathon around Bequia, several 15km runs, 22km of sea kayaking and an all-day hike to the summit of active volcano La Soufrière.

The participants are aiming to match the £100,000 raised for beneficiaries of the Sandals Foundation following last year’s 100km run in Antigua.

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Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Vacations UK Ltd, an affiliate of the worldwide sales and marketing representatives for Sandals Resorts, said: “It would be a lie to say I’m not nervous about the ‘Island Challenge – Saint Vincent 2024’ but I’m also really looking forward to pushing myself in support of the Caribbean communities we care so deeply about.”

Money raised by the four-day activity in October will go towards paediatric healthcare services, including essential kit for the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Saint Vincent.

Some of the funding will be spent on equipment that will improve care for premature infants, particularly those under 28 weeks’ gestation who are most at risk.

Thompson said: “We decided to host the Island Challenge in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to continue the great work we did in 2023 to raise funds for essential medical equipment for paediatric facilities in the Caribbean.

“Sandals Resorts recently opened a new resort in Saint Vincent, and it’s always been part of the brand’s ethos to immerse itself and support the local communities.

“Following the passing of Hurricane Beryl, we also wanted to use some of the money raised for hurricane relief efforts in the Southern Grenadine islands where some of the healthcare facilities need repairing and new medical equipment as a result.”

Sandals Foundation executive director Heidi Clarke said: “We were absolutely over the moon with the success of the inaugural ‘Sandals Foundation Island Run – Antigua 2023’.

“The dedication and support from the runners were unmatched, and the effort that the team put into the event, from the planning stages right through to the 100km run itself, was simply incredible.

“We are so grateful to everyone who took part, donated and supported the campaign. I can’t wait to see what the team achieves in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this year and what crazy challenges they come up with next!”

Funds raised from last year’s event were donated to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the SickKids Caribbean Initiative (SCI). The medical centre used half of its money to purchase essential new equipment including a transport incubator to provide a warm and safe environment for vulnerable babies being transferred inside the hospital or outside by land or air.

Graeme Saunders, Unique Vacations UK Ltd’s senior lead manager for groups and corporate, will be among the participants in this year’s challenge, while sponsors include the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Virgin Atlantic and Hays Travel.

La Soufrière last had an explosive eruption in April 2021.

Photo: Participants celebrate finishing the Island Run in Antigua in 2023