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Two Guernseymen are preparing to face 'brutal' conditions in the Amazon Rainforest this year, as they tackle an Ultra Marathon to help GROW along with its redevelopment plans.
David Becker and Ed Partridge are taking on the 230km jungle challenge on 7 June this year in aid of the local organisation.
The Guernsey Rural Occupational Workshop - or GROW as it is more commonly known - supports people with disabilities and mental health issues by offering them employment opportunities or attendance training in its environmental workshop.
It recently announced ambitious redevelopment plans to improve existing facilities and build a new, fully-equipped workshop and hospitality training kitchen. It is hoped the site will give workers the experience of handing money, customer service and using household kitchen equipment.
Mr Becker and Mr Partridge have chosen to support the charity with their multi-stage foot race, which begins at Manu National Park in Peru and runs through the Andes Mountains to the Madre de Dios River.
The race is split into five stages of jungle, river crossing and mountain valleys where participants will have to get through heavy rain, deep mud and very hot conditions.
"I really enjoy challenging myself and having something to aim for," said Mr Becker, who works as an Audit Partner at Deloitte. "The Jungle Ultra is unlike any other race, not only due to the distance involved but also the unique environment.
"Of course, I am worried about the heat and dangerous wildlife. It's a really tough race but it's also a privilege to be able to experience the Amazon Rainforest."
This will not be the first ultra-distance event for Mr Partridge, who works as a doctor at Guernsey's Healthcare Group.
"The Jungle Ultra is something I have been interested in for a long time," he added. "I have finally bitten the bullet and it is going to be a fantastic challenge. I have always wanted to visit the Amazon, so sleeping wild in it should be amazing.
"Aside from the race, I love GROW's ethos and I have had several patients who have really benefited from their services. It is a privilege to support their ambitious projects in some small way."
Pictured top: The team at GROW.
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