At Sparks we are proud to have a challenge team that not only support you on your challenges, but DO challenges too. This puts them in the perfect position to give you the best possible advice and guidance, whatever your challenge of choice is. Meet the team!
Matt Buck, Challenge Events Manager
As well as Challenge Events Manager, Matt is also an experienced Ultra Runner and qualified running coach. He’s run countless marathons and ultra marathons both in the UK and abroad, including the ‘Toughest Footrace on Earth’, the Marathon Des Sables.
He’s trekked in some of the most iconic places, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Costa Rica, Peru, Mount Toubkal in Morocco and the Namib Desert. It doesn’t stop there! Matt also enjoys cycling and has cycled from London to Paris seven times and coast to coast across Italy twice.
“My experience in doing endurance events means that I can offer you the best possible advice for your challenge. Challenge events are my passion and I will do all I can to ensure that you have the best possible support as part of Team Sparks.”
Todd Harris, Challenge Events Executive
Todd loves all things sporty. Over the years he has run 4 marathons, 15 half marathons, 5 triathlons, 5 obstacle races, 2 duathlons and several endurance swims. In April 2015 he completed the London Marathon, his fifth marathon in 3 hours 25, a personal best.
In 2010, Todd completed a staggering 21 different endurance events in one calendar year including multiple half marathons, triathlons & long distance cycles & swims.
When he’s not running, you can find him at West Herts Hockey Club either playing, coaching or umpiring games.
“Working in the Challenge team at Sparks is great! Not only do I get to do a job I like and pass on my experiences to our Team Sparks supporters but I get to do a job that is essentially my hobby!”
Emma Carroll, Challenge Events Intern
Emma has recently joined the challenge team at Sparks for a year’s placement whilst she is studying events and leisure marketing at Bournemouth University. Sports, sporting events and the leisure industry have always been a big part of Emma’s life, varying from multiple activities including running, trampoline and gymnastic coaching and lifeguarding. Emma has taken part in a few challenges herself, including both 10k and 5k runs as well as some muddy obstacle races and she is hoping to enter a half marathon during her time working with Sparks!
“Going out for a run is one of my favourite things to do! It is only in recent years that I have been confident enough to enter in 5k or 10k races. I have wanted to enter a half marathon for a while now and since working with the challenge team here at Sparks I know I would have great support. I am more than happy to share my experiences with you and support you through your challenges in the best way I can”
Amanda Whiteley, Challenge Events Volunteer
Amanda has been volunteering at Sparks for over three years. If you’ve already done a challenge with Sparks, then it’s likely you will have spoken to Amanda; one of her main priorities is to call all our challenge participants and see how they are getting on with training and fundraising.
Amanda is visually impaired and has about 1% sight but hasn’t let this stop her leading a normal life and taking on numerous challenges for Sparks including a triathlon and a 5k obstacle course race which she hopes to do again in 2015.
“It’s great to talk to kindred spirits; I can relate to what they’re doing as I’ve taken part in various challenges and love it! It is great to build relationships with participants as I genuinely care that they want to support Sparks. Life is for living and you have to grab it with both hands.”
Contact
Have a question about any of our challenges? You can contact the challenge team or call us on 0207 091 7750.