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My unexpected love affair with Hoka
Sometimes, the best purchases are the ones you never planned. A few weeks ago, while casually strolling through Covent Garden, I stumbled upon HOKA's new store. It was the vibrant display of their trainers that caught my eye—brightly colored, snazzy, and just begging to be tried on. Before I knew it, I was inside, chatting with Khalil, one of the friendly shop assistants. His expertise and the way he helped me fit the trainers made it hard to resist. The next thing I knew, I was £150 lighter and walking out with a new pair of HOKA Skyflows.
But the real adventure began when I took these trainers on the road. First stop: the Algarve in Portugal. The hiking and running trails were the perfect test for my new purchase. Later, I headed to the south of Spain, continuing to break them in. But within a week, something unexpected happened—I developed a rather fierce case of tendinitis in my right ankle.
I was puzzled, so I turned to my chiropractor for advice. She suggested that the new running style these trainers encourage might be to blame. My feet and ankles just weren’t used to it. Her advice? Persevere.
At this point, I reached out to the HOKA team, and to their credit, they offered me a no-quibbles refund. However, I decided to stick it out. And I’m so glad I did. The more I wore them, the more my feet adjusted, and the pain subsided. Now, after miles of pounding pavements, I can honestly say I’m in love with my HOKA trainers.
I have zero affiliation with HOKA, but I can’t help but give them a shout-out. These trainers have become my trusty companions, and I look forward to many more adventures with them. Thank you, HOKA, for the unexpected love affair.
TEDx Talk
In my TEDx talk, I shared the journey of pushing my personal boundaries, despite deep seated fears of heights and public speaking. Each adventure and challenge I faced was a battle against my anxieties, but it was also an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. My motivation to confront these fears head-on came from my desire to inspire my children and other women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the unknown. Through these experiences, I learned that true growth happens when we dare to face our fears and push ourselves beyond our perceived limit. I felt super proud of have my daughter in the audience rooting for me and giving me the biggest smile and round of applause at the end of my delivery.
Covid Vaccinator between zoom meetings
In 2021, I took on the challenge of training to become a vaccinator to help us emerge from the pandemic. This was no easy task for me, as I have a huge fear of needles. As a teenager, I was so afraid that I would hide inside lockers until the nurses left school, skipping my vaccines entirely! Despite this, I pushed through my fear, and the experience ended up being unexpectedly rewarding. Not only did it help me use my time efficiently, but I also had the opportunity to spend time with old friends and make new ones, all while most of the world was in lockdown. My children even got involved, volunteering to check patients in! It was a difficult time, but through the hardship, we created lasting friendships and memories that I will always cherish.
School talks commencing March 2020
Ambassador to The Murray Parish Trust and global adventurer Shadi Ganjavian-Connor is offering a series of inspiring and interactive talks for schools & colleges, which draw upon her recent expeditions across the world.
Shadi's adventures to date include, mountaineering to the highest peaks, trekking across the desert and diving under the ocean.Her goal is to teach children that they can overcome fear, take on challenges, work as a team and ultimately achieve anything they want if they set their mind to it.
Shadi has taken on these extreme challenges to raise thousands of pounds for several charities which empower and care for children across the UK with far reaching and long term benefits. Having an almost debilitating fear of heights and an extreme aversion to the cold has not deterred her from fulfilling her goals and over the past few years she has reached the summit of Mt Blanc, the Matterhorn and Mt Elbrus to name but a few.
Her most recent expedition to Mt Kilimanjaro took a group of 20 women, some of who had no previous experience. to successfully summit the mountain despite a snowstorm and blizzard conditions.Talks last around 20 - 30 mins on average so perfect to fit in to an assembly timetable.
Shadi brings some of her mountain kit for the children to examine and encourages questions and conversation around problem solving, teamwork and overcoming challenges.
Bookings are available predominantly Thurs/Fri slots, but please do contact Shadi for further information. Shadigc@hotmail.com or Shadi@teamgc.co.uk
Thank you from Sarah and Jim
A lovely video from Sarah Parish and Jim Murray, thanking our team of incredible ladies fundraising for The Murray Parish Trust whilst conquering their challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro October 2019!
Kilimanjaro Kit
A little video to help with all the confusion on what to pack and how to pack for Kilimanjaro. This is a ladies perspective on packing. We hope it helps a little.
Rock Tape
One of our all time favourite products out there! Rock tape as saved our feet at numerous endurance events and look expedition. The trick is to make sure you get to know your feet, take photos of hot spots and blister prone areas, then prior to an event apply rock tape firmly on the areas were you would usually suffer problems and presto…you are good to go and will keep going and going with zero problems.
The tape is stretchy, breathable and best of all gets stronger with heat which means it does not come off until you want it to.
A little woman with big dreams (I’m 5’2”)
On the eve of my next expedition I find myself reflecting on the whys and how’s? Many people have been asking me; ‘Why do you take on these challenges? What drives you? Are you ever scared?’
These questions make me smile, as they make me think; Why am I doing this? What drives me? Should I be scared?
I have always been inspired by those who serve humanity, intrigued by our abilities and fuelled by actions which bring positive change to others. I am a doer, not an over-thinker, a yes girl, a dreamer, a nonconformist.
Not much scares me, that is until I am ‘in the thick of it’; my challenges have helped raise vital funds for worthy causes, my post-event school talks aim to raise the profile of the charities which I support, hopefully inspiring others to set their own fundraising challenges, whilst pushing their own personal comfort barometer a few degrees.
In 2016 my dear friends at Bradleys Foundation suggested that we collaborate and focus on doing something big for Teenage Cancer Trust. The Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Southampton required a ‘life enhancing,’ specialist piece of equipment at a cost of £12,500. My first thought was, “Yes, I am in!” Upon reflection I knew a big challenge would be required to raise this sort of cash, so I set my sights on climbing Mont Blanc which I successfully summited in June 2016, having never climbed anything in my life due to my gripping fear of heights.
In 2017 my friends guided me to the work of The Murray Parish Trust and before I knew it I found myself scaling the iconic Matterhorn in a bid to raise money towards their £5million appeal.
On both these expeditions I felt the presence of my supporters and the spirit of the charities, two things which drive me particularly when the going gets tough and doubts set in.
Bradley, in whose memory Bradleys Foundation was founded, was with me every step of the way on Mont Blanc; I even recall calling on his help when we were told the weather was not on our side and a safe summit would be less than likely.
On The Matterhorn I felt the spirit of Ella Jane, inspiration for The Murray Parish Trust and felt so super proud to fly her flag at the summit, knowing that her legacy would bring about hope, comfort and change for so many children. I found myself speaking to her and asking her to get my breathing under control when I was truly exhausted.
To this day I can remember all the things which went ‘wrong’, the moments when I felt so little, real doubts, close to panic setting in, the moments when I could see fear in the faces of other climbers, evidence of altitude sickness (which is not pleasant to suffer, or see), the deafening sound of search and rescue helicopters echoing in the silence. The small details are often kept secret, pushing you out of your everyday and so far away from your home comfort zone.
Having said all of that I love being outdoors and love these expeditions but they will always be a challenge for me as don’t like sleeping rough, don’t like heights, don’t enjoy not having a toilet and I certainly don’t enjoy cat washing for any length of time.
So why do you do it Shadi? I do it because I love to feel that I may be making a difference to others, however small, raising funds for superb causes, bringing about change in myself and sharing the stories with others.
Expeditions often take 12 months of planning and preparing, relying on the support of everyone you know, from your kids who have to put up with you missing their show, to your poor husband who holds things together whilst silently worrying every time that 360 Expeditions, Berghaus holdall comes out, and your network of connections who eagerly support your quest to make a difference.
Everything worthwhile in life comes with some degree of sacrifice; I have missed important Family Birthdays, Sports Days, Anniversaries and had to decline social events and late nights running up to the event. A huge commitment is made to stay physically and emotionally fit, not to mention the financial commitment of funding each new challenge. But it is all worth it, knowing I am fulfilling my purpose to serve others.
None of these fundraising endeavours would have been possible without the help and support of a huge network of family, friends and local community this is why we established Team GC. Aiming to provide a platform for collaboration; be it by financial support, or getting involved in the many group challenges which are planned for the near future. All of which are designed to accelerate fundraising by inspiring others to participate and move their own personal comfort barometer in order to help others.
So what does this year hold in store? Amongst other things I am going to climb Elbrus on Friday the 28th June, raising funds for Allegras Ambition, a small Winchester based charity set up in honour of Allegra. This is a truly inspiring charity, established to improve young people’s lives through sport and nature. The goal is to raise funding, contributing to the substantial cost of establishing an outdoor learning facility for vulnerable children based at Youth Options in Eastleigh.
I can’t wait to take Allegra’s flag to the summit of Elbrus, Russia (the Highest Mountain in ‘Europe’) and will be super proud to call on her when the going gets tough for sure. Upon my return to England I will commence my school tours, sharing all the valuable lessons and anecdotes whilst raising money for this incredible charity, hopefully inspiring future fundraisers along the way.
So, whilst I go to pack and unpacking my bags for the 6th time before I head to the airport I would like to leave you with my biggest ‘aha’ moment; The charities I have been collaborating with have something incredible in common, they have each turned the tragic loss of a child into a super positive vehicle to bring about change and comfort to others. They are the true super heroes of my story, as are you for helping me support them!
Educate, Collaborate & Dare to be different.
Shadi
Should you wish to help to make a difference, please go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/TEAMGCVElbrus
Should you wish to book a talk at your school or business drop me a line: Shadi@teamgc.co.uk
Live from the Mountain to the Classroom
This year we are extremely excited to be able to bring challenges to life for supporters by having the Kilimanjaro 2019 expedition linked to participating schools and businesses via periodic live Satellite link, direct from the mountain itself.
This year we are extremely excited to be able to bring challenges to life for supporters by having the Kilimanjaro 2019 expedition linked to participating schools and businesses via periodic live Satellite link, direct from the mountain itself.
The children can ask questions and interact with Shadi live throughout the expedition via Microsoft Skype in the Classroom - bringing the mountain itself to your School assembly hall or classroom.
Being able to deliver such a dynamic and interactive experience to Schools across the South offers a very unique addition to our Schools Tour.
Head over to our Tour page and contact us now for more information
Team GC Ultra Marathon
Join Team GC for the Dulux London Revolution Ultra Marathon in aid of The Murray Parish Trust. We will be walking the route from Marlow to Windsor. Most of us are doing the full Ultra Marathon which is approx 51km however there are alternative options
Join Team GC Ultra Marathon in aid of The Murray Parish Trust. We will be walking the route from Marlow to Windsor. Most of us are doing the full Ultra Marathon which is approx 51km however there are alternative options. https://www.london-revolution.com/trails/
All packages offer full support with pit stops stocked with drinks and snacks along with a signed route, medical assistance and event timing. Choose your package below and join us!
During the sign up process join Team GC - password 'Trainers'
We are all raising money for The Murray Parish Trust minimum amount £200
Link to Virgin Money Team page
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/teamgc/ultramarathon
The money you raise will be used for: two vital pieces of equipment for UHS: a state of the art 3D printer which creates perfect models of infant patients' hearts to aid with the diagnosis and surgery for congenital heart problems, and a specialist Intensive Care bed with in-built X-ray and monitoring equipment for the care of critically ill children.
It will be a super fun day for a superb cause!!
Kilimanjaro - October 2019
.On 10th of October, Shadi Ganjavian Connor is taking a group of non-climbers to the rooftop of Africa. The aim is to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro by the famed Lemosho route …
It’s one to tick off the Bucket List for sure!
and raise money for one of our key beneficiaries The Murray Parish Trust. The request was initially put out for a team of 8 but after an overwhelming response the expedition is now open 20 people with just a few places left.
The trip, organised by 360 Expeditions, takes seven days in order to acclimatise the group before attempting the summit of this iconic mountain.
With just nine months to go the challenge starts now and the group is meeting this weekend for it’s first official training day - you can keep up to date on our progress so far by visiting our Facebook page.
Would you like to join this incredible group and take on the challenge with us? or maybe your business or organisation would like to get involved in a sponsorship package? Please do get in touch!
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
The MadBall
The Make A Difference Ball raised over £45,000 in one truly MAD night!
Mama Mia!!! What a night last night was! My girlfriends organised and hosted a charity ball at The Hilton Ageas in aid of The Murray Parish Trust.
After hearing The Murray Parish Trust required a further £900,000 to make the children's trauma unit at Southampton General a reality, my friends and i got pen to paper and organise a ball in 4 and 1/2 months!! Yes as you hear it, nothing like a challenge!!!
So we begged, borrowed and collaborated with many local businesses and thanks to the incredible support of many gorgeous people we pulled off a crazy night held at the raising a mahooooosive £45,000!! Every penny will be government match funded which means we made a superb contribution as a community.
A huge thank you goes to my mad ball girlfriends, without you it would have not happened and of course all the generous souls who gave up their time, made donation and supported us. We love you and are grateful for your trust and love.
The Big Sleep Out
Raising £35k for Trinity, tackling homelessness in Winchester.
A superb day and evening on the beautiful estate of The Bishop of Winchester, raising awareness of how tough homelessness is. We were blown away meeting a couple of ex-homeless people and learning how with a little helping hand they had managed to turn a truly tragic story into the most beautiful outcome! Blown away, thank you Trinity for your incredible work together we raised over £35k!
Visit to No. 10 Downing Street
Attending a reception at No 10 Downing Street to celebrate the work of charities in the UK.
I was lucky enough to be invited along to 10 Downing Street with The Murray Parish Trust in my role as Ambassador for the charity. Alongside a team from TMPT including Sarah Parish and James Murray we attended a reception hosted by the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to celebrate the work of Charities in the United Kingdom.
It was an absolute honour to meet representatives from some incredible charities across the UK and find out more about the truly inspiring work they do.
The Matterhorn Fundraising Challenge
On Wednesday 19th July at around 9am Shai reached the summit of the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland to fly the flag for local charity, The Murray Parish Trust!
Despite being terrified of heights she set her sights on a fundraising goal as high as the mountain itself and has raised a whopping £30,000 towards the build of a brand new state of the art Children's Emergency Department at Southampton Hospital.
Shadi has trained incredibly hard over the last few months to conquer the summit, culminating in three climbs in the Alps in the days leading up to the Matterhorn summit attempt. Not only that – she has created an entire community around this fundraising effort, incorporating a sponsored climb for children at Golden Gecko in Romsey – a successful collective attempt to climb the height of The Matterhorn at the climbing wall, and has embarked on a Schools Tour where Shadi’s fantastic journey has wowed and inspired school children across the South.
“Truly incredible. Speechless with admiration, gratitude and pride! X” – Jim Murray
“Look at this AMAZING woman!!! x” – Sarah Parish