Directors Take On Bushtucker Trials For Charity

A group of directors from across the county have taken part in the ultimate challenge to raise money for a charity that supports unpaid carers.

On Friday 30th June, fourteen directors took on I’m a Director, Get Me Out of Here, with the Red team and White team battling it out in various ‘Bushtucker’ trials to raise funds for Crossroads Care Surrey, a charity that provides crucial support to unpaid carers in Surrey.

The event was held at Home of Compassion, a Grade II listed care home in Thames Ditton, part of the Aria Care Group.

Contestants faced their fears in a series of challenges; ranging from handling giant reptiles and tarantulas, provided by Tom’s Talking Reptiles, to eating some of the most unappealing foods the chefs at the home could create. They also took part in a series of physical sports day challenges by Team Activity Group and concluded with the losing team being gunged by the winning team.

Mick Newton, Aria Care’s Business Development Director, and contestant said, “When we first heard about the fabulous work that Crossroads Care Surrey do in supporting unpaid carers, it was an easy choice to get behind and offer to host the first I’m a Director event. Home of Compassion was a fitting venue and the day was a huge success, which I felt very privileged to be part of.”

Mick also announced, “the work doesn’t stop there and having got to know more about the charity and the people that make the magic happen – I am delighted our CEO Caroline Roberts has announced Crossroads Care Surrey as our charity to support for the coming year.”

Over £19,000 was raised for Crossroads Care Surrey which will help to support some of Surrey’s 130,000 unpaid carers through their team of skilled Carer Support Workers and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide high-quality care services that support carers of all ages, with various health conditions and disabilities.

Crossroads Care Surrey’s David Annand commented, “For a first-time event I couldn’t be more pleased. The competitive camaraderie between the 14 directors taking part was something special and what they managed to fundraise, so far was truly amazing. It’s an amount that will make an enormous positive life changing difference to unpaid carers and those they are caring for. I can’t thank everyone involved enough.”