Peaks in Pants: an epic fundraiser
First introduced as a “whacky” fundraising idea at a Pink Pants Dinner Party last October, Sally Chamberlain’s ‘Peaks in Pants’ was instantly received with a tidal wave of enthusiasm and support.
“Once a few people signed up, more and more did…. at one point we reached 20 signatures, there was even a rumour we would be walking in just our pants!” she said, laughing at how absurd it sounded (though it did undeniable wonders for fundraising efforts).
The Peaks in Pants challenge was first conceived by Sally when she was looking for both a physically demanding yet also accessible way to raise money for a cause close to her heart. Climbing the three tallest mountains in the UK (Ben Nevis in Scotland, Sca Fell in The Lake District, and Snowdon in North Wales) over a period of 3 days totaled over 37km of walking with 3064 metres of ascent - by no means an easy mental or physical task. Along with seven other wonderful women, Sally spent five months training for the peaks with a mix of cardio and weights whilst carrying out collaborative fundraising efforts.
“It’s a challenge where you also really gain something for yourself as well as supporting LGOKIAT ”, she commented, “the bond [we forged] we didn’t even notice happening at the time… but I felt a bit bereft afterwards to not be surrounded by my wonderful people everyday”.
Despite taking on the three peaks in May, the weather was still not always on their side, making it only more challenging. Reaching the top of Ben Nevis (1,345m) on the first day where the ground snow and thick mist made it impossible to know where to go.
“I was so thankful for our guide and team. Ben Nevis top is covered in steep drops, and finding the top would have been so difficult [without the team]”. Physical terrain also made the going tough. They had to physically climb up parts of Sca Fell, a moment which stands out to Sally as one of the most difficult points in the three days. Yet, she emphasises that the strong female friendships they formed on the way helped carry the team through the most challenging moments.
“The range of people and experiences made all the difference” she said. For example, one of the team members was a yoga teacher and led a stretch session at the bottom of each peak, a tiny detail that helped beyond measure.
Still, every second of the challenge proved worth it. Our sparkly pants clad hikers raised over £12,000 for LGOKIAT which resulted in OVER 8,000 pairs of pants for three women's shelters local to each peak, in line with LGOKIAT commitment to local impact. An awe inspiring achievement both for a vital cause and on a personal level, with the group keen to do another one in the upcoming months.
Our conversation then moved to the wider LGOKIAT movement, something which Sally has watched grow and change since it was founded in 2022.
“I'm so proud of Serena’s courage and determination,” she said. “The hand she has had in educating and inspiring multiple generations of women to get involved in trying to help combat underwear poverty is immense”. Sally’s passion and drive to help change through fundraising and ideas is clear to see. She has spoken to GPs about the wider impact that underwear poverty can have on discouraging women from seeking gynecological advice and believes that banks of pants should be available in doctors surgeries, food banks, and other accessible community locations. For her, the most rewarding part of fundraising is seeing the tangible impact on the lives of women who receive the donations, and watching them find underwear that suits their “nature and character” and thus empowers and humanises them.
I asked Sally on the behalf of the Peaks in Pants ladies what her advice is to those who may be planning a fundraiser.
“Put on the pants and jump in,” she said, emphasising doing something “whacky without worrying about what other people think is nearly always a good idea”. She highlights that people will always be 99% behind you, just like they were at the Pink Pants Party where she first floated the idea. We want to once again thank the Peaks in Pants fundraisers for all their immense efforts, and we look forward to seeing their next feat.
Written by Emma Cowan, edited by Valentina Milne