A huge congratulations to our incredible OSJCT Central Trekkers, a small but determined team of colleagues from Oxfordshire care homes and schemes across The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), who successfully completed the Trek Cotswolds 13-mile challenge in support of the Alzheimer's Society.

The team was made up of Laura Beadle, Alexandra Grindle and Patricia Pita, Home Managers, Enrico Gurion, Scheme Manager, Isaac Mukoya, Domiciliary Care Assistant, Anna Odeyemi, Area Operations Manager, and Renata Crisostomo, Divisional Director. 

The challenge had been in the diary since the beginning of the year, with some team members beginning their training months in advance. When the big day finally arrived, it meant a very early start, with the team setting off at 7:50am ready to tackle the rolling Cotswold countryside.

What lay ahead was no easy feat. Temperatures soared throughout the day, with very little shade and barely a breeze to offer relief. There were moments when the heat and miles made the finish line seem a long way off, and the temptation to call it a day was certainly there. But, true to the spirit of OSJCT, the team dug deep, encouraged one another every step of the way, and crossed the finish line together at 2:15pm, completing the 13-mile trek in an impressive six hours.

Supporting charities such as the Alzheimer's Society is especially meaningful for OSJCT. Every day across the Trust's care homes, colleagues support people living with dementia and their families, making the charity's work to fund research, provide support and campaign for better dementia care particularly close to their hearts. By taking on challenges like this, colleagues are helping to make a difference both inside and outside of the homes they serve.

The trek was about much more than fundraising. It was also a fantastic opportunity for colleagues from across the region to come together, build stronger connections and support one another outside of the workplace. The miles may have been tough, but the team spirit never wavered. And while the weather was certainly hot, it wasn't the only thing bringing the heat—the banter, laughter and camaraderie were on fire from start to finish, helping to keep everyone motivated when the going got tough.

Renata Crisostomo, Divisional Director at OSJCT, said: "I'm incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the Trek Cotswolds challenge. It tested us both physically and mentally, especially in the intense heat, but the determination, encouragement and teamwork shown throughout the day were inspiring. Supporting the Alzheimer's Society is particularly meaningful to us because of the people we care for every day across our homes. Every mile we walked was for those living with dementia and their families. It was also a wonderful opportunity to spend time together outside of work, strengthen our relationships and have plenty of laughs along the way. The camaraderie and spirit of the team were just as memorable as crossing the finish line."

Congratulations to everyone who took part, everyone who donated and everyone who supported the team along the way. Together, the OSJCT Central Trekkers have demonstrated the resilience, compassion and teamwork that define the Trust while raising vital funds and awareness for the Alzheimer's Society.