DHA Planning is Staying Active for Smile Train

Every year, DHA Planning picks a charity that they have a personal connection to for their charity of the Year. Director Patrick Reedman ’s daughter, Anya, was born with a cleft in 2021, and he quickly learned the importance of having access to quality cleft care. His family was lucky to receive fantastic care from the NHS, but he knows that isn’t possible for families outside the UK. Reedman’s passion for Smile Train’s cause led DHA to select Smile Train as their 2023 charity of the year!

Throughout 2023, DHA Planning will raise as much money for Smile Train as possible through their Just Giving page and multiple fundraisers. Only halfway through the year, they’ve already raised over £3,000!

The first corporate fundraiser DHA hosted was a charity football match. Clients and coworkers collided on the pitch. The whole day went beautifully: The sun shone on everyone’s great sportsmanship as friendly competition ensued, and spectators eagerly watched. The day ended with a raffle to win footballs signed by the Arsenal and Manchester United Clubs. The event was a major success, raising more than £2,500!

The next fundraising challenge DHA is completing is the Medway Medley, which will take place on 30 June. The goal is to get from the source of the River Medway all the way to the mouth in just one day. The trip will be over 110km long. They’ll start by hiking 45km across the countryside, then paddle canoes for 30km, and end by cycling along the river for about 55km.

Twenty DHA Planning team members will be taking on the Medley. The plan is to start at 6 AM and finish by midnight. Even for the fittest among them, the training is intense! They’re using all the time they have. Lunch breaks have been filled with biking in some extra miles, pleasant evenings have become hiking trips, and weekends are all about paddling on the river.

The Medway Medley will surely be a test of endurance for the team, but for such a great cause, they know it’s worth it.