CASTAWAY movie fans will have the chance to take part in their own five-day survival challenge fundraising for a Dorset disability charity this September.

Diverse Abilities Plus – a charity supporting children and adults with learning difficulties in Dorset – will hold its third annual ‘Castaway Challenge’ from September 20 to September 24 and is giving 24 men and women the chance to take part.

The five-day adventure, which raised £8,000 for the charity last year, contains fundamental elements of survival which will challenge participants from dusk until dawn.

During the event the chosen group will learn about survival techniques, build a natural team shelter, undertake sea life-raft survival skills training, learn to navigate by the sun and the stars, take part in search and rescue drills amongst their many challengers.

Sharon Wells, events fundraiser at Diverse Abilities Plus, said: “The Castaway Challenge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and by taking part you will help us to make a difference to the lives of children and adults with learning difficulties and profound physical disabilities.

“If you fancy a challenge or just want to get away from the daily routines and stresses of life, this is for you. No experience is required, just a sense of humour and a taste for adventure.

“Everyone who joins the boats for this event will make new friends and have a fantastic, fun experience.”

Although the location of the challenge is kept a secret, participants will enjoy a night of team bonding at a hotel in Dorset with other members of the challenge before heading out to the start of the adventure on boats sponsored by Powerboat Training UK.

The Castaway Challenge is suitable for anyone aged 18 or over and entry is £50 with a minimum sponsorship of £550 per person.

Diverse Abilities provide support to every participant who signs up to the event enabling them to achieve their fundraising target.

For more information visit diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk/events or call Sharon Wells on 01202 718266.

 

Ken Whillock, from Dorchester, took part in the Castaway event back in 2012.

He said: “Diverse Abilities Plus is a very worthy cause and I’m extremely proud to have taken part in something challenging while also raising money for a local charity.

“It was not too challenging, very social and good fun with a nice group of people.”