Freddie’s Everest Step-Up Challenge + Jove Social

Friday 29th August - Saturday 30th | Battersea Park

17,402 Step-Ups. A Half Marathon. 50lbs on My Back - In Support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation

The Challenge

This isn’t your average fundraiser.

I’m taking on a brutal physical and mental test to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation - a charity funding research to cure Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Here’s what I’m doing:

🔹 17,402 step-ups on a 20-inch box - the height of Mount Everest
🔹 Immediately followed by a half marathon
🔹 All while wearing a 50lb (23kg) pack (think about your typical hold luggage on a flight…)
🔹 Estimated duration: 30-40 hours of nearly continuous effort

Why? Because if you’re lucky enough to use your body - really use it - you should.

💛 Why It Matters

I have no personal connection to MND, but as a lifelong rugby fan, I’ve watched heroes like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Ed Slater go from elite athletes to facing the unimaginable. MND is unbelievably cruel. It strips away movement, independence, and life - and there’s still no cure.

A diagnosis is a slow death sentence…

This challenge is my way of honouring their courage and fighting spirit. I’m stepping up for everyone who would give anything to move again.

👉 Donate now:
www.justgiving.com/page/freddie-sankey-1

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t need to do Everest in a with 23kg… but I’d love you to get involved however you can:

✅ Support the Challenge

• Please donate if you can - every pound helps fund vital research

• Share the story and help spread the word

• Follow the journey via Instagram for updates and live progress

Step-Up With Me

• Try your own mini step-up challenge: 1,000 reps, your staircase, your pace

• Post your efforts with #stepupfordoddie

• Or just come and cheer me on when I attempt this challenge

Join Me at the Finish Line

The challenge ends with a half marathon - likely slow and painful. Whether you’re running or just want to be there when I crawl across the line, I’d love to have you along.

Celebrate at the Jove Club Social

After the pain, we’re finishing with a Jove Club summer social.

Anyone is welcome! We’ll book a venue and release details shortly…

Join our WhatsApp community group (see link in footer)

A Final Word

I know this challenge is going to break me a bit. But I also know I’m incredibly lucky to be able to do it!

I know for sure that anyone suffering with MND would do this 100 times over for the chance to be free of this disease.

Let’s raise money, raise awareness, and take a step closer to beating MND.

👉 Donate now:
justgiving.com/page/freddie-sankey-1

Jove Trail Run Coaching Trip: Dartmoor & Devon Coast

5-7 September 2025 | Based at YHA Elmscott | Intermediate Level (must be comfortable running a half-marathon distance at a conversational pace).

Two landscapes. One team. Coastal cliffs, wild moorland, and fast legs. Trail running in its rawest, best form.

Growing up in Devon, I know only too well how beautiful the coastlines are! They offer a perfect level of challenge to trail runners looking to take things a step further without going too remote or extreme.

Being the main training ground of the Royal Marines, Dartmoor is a step up again; harsher terrain, more difficult conditions, it’s own microclimate… but a perfect place to learn key skills to go further afield.

The Plan

We’ll base ourselves on the remote North Devon coast, with runs along the rugged cliff line and a day trip into the ancient wilds of Dartmoor National Park.

It’s about movement, challenge, and escape.

Friday 5 Sept - Arrival + Shakeout

• Arrive from 5pm at YHA Elmscott (near Hartland/Bideford)

• Easy 6 - 8km coastal shakeout run

Saturday 6 Sept - Coastal Big Day - Develop Your Form

• 20 - 25km cliff and cove trail run (we will stop frequently to discuss coaching points)

• Cold dip option, snacks + rest

• Beach and recovery time

• Evening meal (location TBC!)

• Drinks and social at the YHA

Sunday 7 Sept - Dartmoor Day - Learn How to Navigate

• Early start → ~50‑min drive to Dartmoor

• 12 - 15km high moorland run over tors and river crossings

• Wild, open, mythic terrain

• Finish by ~2-3pm for departures

What’s Included

• ✅ 2 nights’ stay at YHA Elmscott

• ✅ 2 guided trail runs (coast + moorland) led by a qualified Run Coach and Mountain Leader

• ✅ Optional shakeout run Friday

• ✅ Trail run coaching

• ✅ Navigation training from a Mountain Leader - this is optional but recommended! Being able to navigate with a map and compass is an essential skill for the wilderness

• ✅ A mobility session after Saturday’s run

• ✅ Access to WhatsApp planning group

Price

Non-Members: £290

Members: £260

We also offer a ‘guide only’ version too at £240 for non-members and £215 for members. Message if you’re interested in this.

What You’ll Need

• Trail running gear.

• Basic food supplies (breakfasts, snacks, lunches) - there’s a self-service kitchen at the YHA.

• Travel to/from Elmscott.

• Money for pub meals or shared group dinners.

• Car if possible as you’ll need to be able to get Dartmoor etc. - we’ll setup a group chat so we arrange car shares.

Who It’s For

• Confident runners who can cover 12 - 20km/day - you don’t need to be fast but you do need to have the legs for it.

• No racing. No pressure. But we move with purpose.

• People who want to combine some beach with some challenge.

• People who want to learn new skills.

Final Word

These are two stunning areas we’ll get to visit out of peak summer season. This will be a great antidote to the ‘back to work’ blues.

People talk a lot about trail running… it’s time to up your game and learn skills that will help you explore with confidence.

Kit List:

• Trail running shoes (if you have a spare pair, bring them in case one gets wet, but not essential!)

• Vest or small pack to carry supplies

• Waterproof jacket

• Warm layer

• Shorts/t-shirts/socks

• Cap

• Sunglasses

• Suncream

• Personal first aid items (any medication you need, blister kit, painkillers etc.)

• Insect repellant

• Normal clothes for evenings

• Towel for YHA and beach

• Snacks / gels - whatever you normally run with but note, we’ll be out between 3 - 5 hours each session so you should also take proper food

• Capacity to carry 1 - 2 L of water

• Optional - Swimming kit

• Optional - Dartmoor map 1:25,000 scale, OL 28 (see here for more info) - if you get s ‘standard’ version, you’ll also need a map case

• Optional - Compass (I’d recommend the Silva Expedition 4)

Questions?

Drop us a line or message once you’re booked. Or email hello@thejoveclub.com.

Summits, Scrambles & Trails: Eryri (North Wales) | 10 - 12 October

• Dates: Friday 10 Oct - Sunday 12 Oct 2025

• Location: Eryri, North Wales

• Duration: 2 days, 2 nights

• Group Size: Max 6 people

• Level: All levels - beginner friendly

A weekend in the wild that’ll test your legs, sharpen your mountain sense and bring you shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow Jove members.

This October, we’re heading to the rugged heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) for a mountain weekend built around quality hiking, optional scrambling, and hands-on navigation coaching.

As always, we want to teach you to be confident in the outdoors. You’ll come away with more than tired legs-you’ll have a better understanding of how to move safely and confidently in the mountains, and you’ll have earned it alongside a small team of Jove memebers.

Why Join This Trip?

Because it’s more than just a weekend away.

This is your chance to get deeper into the mountains - not just physically, but mentally. You’ll learn how to move with confidence across wild terrain, read the land, and make smart decisions when the weather turns or the path disappears.

You’ll gain real, practical navigation skills you can use anywhere - skills that make you more self-reliant and more at home in remote places.

But most of all, you’ll do it alongside a group of people who are up for the same challenge. No egos, no pressure - just shared effort, good chat, and the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent in the hills.

Whether you're preparing for bigger mountain goals or just want to reconnect with that wild part of yourself, this is the kind of weekend that leaves a mark.

Come with your legs ready. Leave with more mountain sense, more confidence - and maybe a few new friends too.

What's Included

✅ Two full days of fully instructed and supervised mountain hiking on some of Britain’s finest mountains
✅ Saturday morning trail run (optional)
✅ Accommodation at YHA Pen y Pass
✅ Breakfast on both days
✅ Saturday evening meal (excluding drinks)
✅ Professional guidance and safety instruction throughout
✅ Assistance coordinating car shares from London (if needed!)

Where to Meet: YHA Pen y Pass

Trip Itinerary (Overview)

Friday - Arrive & Settle In

• Arrive from late afternoon. We’ll base ourselves in a comfortable YHA close to the mountains (location confirmed soon).

• Chill evening with food, intros, kit checks, and an overview of the weekend.

Saturday - Introductory Day - the purpose of this day is not only to get out and enjoy the mountains but see where the group is at ahead of a bigger day on Sunday.

• Optional - morning trail run - as this day is shorter one, it’s a good opportunity to get out and explore in the am. Nothing crazy, a few slow km to take in the views.

• We’ll head out early for a full day in the hills, covering 10–12km with good elevation - route TBC.

• The day will include hands-on navigation coaching (for those who want it!) - how to read the map, use the compass, pick a line, judge distance etc.

• Potentially an introduction to scrambling depending on group and route - think grade 1, nothing too challenging, but enough to move with hands and feel the rock.

• Expect wild terrain, big views, and proper mountain immersion.

• We’ll be out for 4-6 hours - bring your hill food and spare layers.

Evening back at base with hearty food and a debrief. Bring your OS map - this is where learning locks in.

Sunday - Big Mountain Day, Navigation Skills + More Scrambling (maybe!) - this will be the big day!

• We’ll start the day early. What we do will be weather dependent but if the conditions are good, think something like the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Horseshoe taking in Crib Goch along the way.

• Think 11–13km but likely much more elevation so more like 6-8 hours work

• We'll focus on route-finding, map relocation and of course, enjoying the views!

Pricing

• £345 - Non-members

• £310 - Jove Club members

  First adventure? Use code ADVENTURE10 for an extra 10% discount

Who's It For?

This trip is perfect for all levels of fitness/ability and is particularly good for beginners. We mean it when we say this.

It will feel harder for some and that’s a fact - but we’re experts in pacing.

For more advanced members of the group, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and take your knowledge and experience up a level.

Ultimately, the best thing about Jove Club is if you’re based in London, you have the chance to speak to the team directly! No having to guess based on a 0-5 scale - we can give you all the detail to make an informed decision and of course, help you prepare.

Why October?

In our view, it’s one of the best times of the year to go to the mountains - it’s much quieter than the summer months and arguably more stunning!

Travel

Where to Meet: YHA Pen y Pass

How to Get There: As the majority of members will be heading up from London, we’d recommend car sharing where possible. Join our WhatsApp group to discuss with other members attending.

Another good option is to get the train to Bangor and then bus or taxi to Llanberis/the YHA.

It’s always useful if there is another car or two available as it’s easier to get around when we’re there.

Final Words

Forget the gym, this is what we train and prepare for - having fun outdoors, learning new skills, pushing limits and forging friendships. Jove Club trips are about experiencing the outdoors come rain or shine - without taking yourself too seriously. No matter what, you’ll cement new friendships.

How to Book

Simply click the button below. If you’re a member, you’ll automatically get the member price.

First adventure trip? Don’t forget to use ADVENTURE10 at checkout for an extra 10% off.

If you’re unsure about anything, please ask Freddie at your next Jove session or send a us a message via IG, email (hello@thejoveclub.com) or WhatsApp.

Book below, send any questions to hello@thejoveclub.com or speak to Freddie at your next Jove Club session.

See our booking terms here.

Essential Gear List:

Mountain Gear for the Day Trips out:

• Boots or suitable approach shoes

• Two pairs of walking socks (minimum)

• Walking trousers (you can wear shorts for the day routes but bear in mind, it is much colder at the summit of any mountain!)

• Thermal top / base layer

• Warm layers (would recommend a fleece + lightweight down jacket)

• Waterproof jacket + trousers

• Snacks and water for each day on the mountain (minimum of 1L)

• Personal first aid kit

• Survival bag (small foil blanket)

• Baseball cap or sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Sun cream

• Two pairs of gloves for each day as a minimum (if one pair gets wet, you’ll want a spare pair)

• Warm hat

• Walking poles (optional but recommended!)

• Ruck sack ~20-30L

• Waterproof liner

• Headtorch + spare batteries

• Portable charging block

• Midge repellent

• Any medication you need

• Map, compass and map case (optional in case you want to practice navigation)

• Whistle

General:

• Personal items (toiletries, medications, etc.)

• Comfortable clothes for the evening

• Would recommend a pair of sandals or flip flops or any other comfy shoes for post hike!

Skyline Traverse - Lake District | 6 – 9 November (Long Weekend)

Dates: Thursday 6 Nov - Sunday 9 Nov 2025 (long weekend)
Location: Lake District, UK
Duration: 3 days, 3 nights
Group Size: Max 7 people
Level: Challenging - some hillwalking experience recommended - not sure if it’s for you? Read on…

A big mountain weekend that blends classic fell summits, point-to-point hiking, and the simple joy of movement through wild places.

This November, we’re heading to the Lake District for a linear adventure that’ll take us across ridgelines, over peaks, and through two of the most iconic valleys in Cumbria. We’ll base ourselves in hostels and move between them with full packs.

With time on Helvellyn, Bow Fell, and Cold Pike, plus a return route through gentler ground, this trip offers a little bit of everything: big ascents, technical descents, and open views that reward the work. You’ll leave with stronger legs, a better sense of mountain movement, and a deeper appreciation for what it means to cross a landscape under your own steam.

Why Join This Trip?

Because it’s not just about ‘bagging summits’ - it’s about moving through the terrain, appreciating the autumn views and learning new skills. This is a journey across the mountains: two hostels, three days of hiking.

You’ll learn what it takes to carry a pack over a full day of mountain ground. You’ll get a feel for the rhythm of multi-day mountain travel. And you’ll do it all with a team that’s here for the same challenge.

Expect proper exposure, a testing physical challenge, and a slower, more intentional connection to the landscape. Plus plenty of chat, solid food, and some pub / hostel evenings.

What's Included

• ✅ Three nights’ accommodation (2 x YHA Grasmere, 1 x YHA Coniston Holly How) - we’re in Jove Club rooms, mixed gender

• ✅ Three full days of guided mountain hiking with a qualified UK Mountain Leader

• ✅ Breakfast each morning

• ✅ Optional skills coaching (navigation, route choice, pack management)

• ✅ Route planning, kit guidance, and safety throughout

• ✅ Help coordinating car shares from London or other cities

Trip Itinerary (Overview)

Thursday – Arrive & Settle In

Arrive at YHA Grasmere from the afternoon onwards. We'll meet for a casual briefing, get set for the days ahead, and check kit. Bring food or grab a pub dinner in the village - it’s a low-key start before the high places.

Friday – Helvellyn Day

We kick things off with one of the Lake District’s greatest classics: Helvellyn. We’ll leave packs at the hostel and make a circular day route that gets us up onto the edges, summits and plateaus of this iconic mountain.

Expect roughly 15km of walking and 900m+ of elevation - a good physical day, but without the extra weight. Plenty of time for skills practice, route-finding, and soaking up November’s golden light (or claggy mystery... this is the Lakes after all).

Evening back in Grasmere with food, chats, and recovery.

Saturday - Grasmere to Coniston via Bow Fell & Cold Pike - **this will be a long day

The big day - this is our full mountain day. We’ll take our overnight gear and hike a long, satisfying route across the backbone of the fells.

We’ll aim for a line via Bow Fell and Cold Pike, navigating ridge lines, cols and quiet mountain ground before descending into the stunning Coppermines Valley and our second hostel: YHA Coniston Holly How.

Expect ~30km and roughly 2000m of ascent - proper expedition energy, but broken up with time for rest, views, and steady pacing. We'll be carrying full packs, so fitness and pack comfort matter - but the reward is huge.

This day is not about a testing pace but it will be long so be mentally prepared for it.

Sunday - Scenic Return to Grasmere (or depart from Coniston)

Today’s flexible: if you’re short on time, you can head out from Coniston in the morning. For those who want more, we’ll take a relaxed return route back to Grasmere on foot - no pressure, just a scenic wind-down walk through woods, valleys and lakeshore.

It’s the perfect way to finish: all effort behind you, all beauty around you.

Pricing

£395 – Non-members
£355 – Jove Club members
First adventure? Use code ADVENTURE10 for 10% off

Who's It For?

This is for hikers who perhaps want to push themselves a little further - not necessarily faster. You don’t need to be a fell-running machine, but you should be comfortable walking for 8+ hours a day with some elevation.

It’s perfect if you’ve done single-day hikes and want to experience a multi-day point-to-point journey, or if you're training for bigger objectives such as the Cape Wrath Trail, TMB, or a hut-to-hut in the Alps.

We don’t believe in a generic out of 5 grading… the best thing about Jove Club (if you’re based in London) is you get to speak to the team at sessions who are more than happy to explain the challenges in detail and help you assess if the trip is right for you.

And of course, we can help you physically prepare - that’s what we do!

If you're not in London and unsure whether it's right for you - message us. We’ll help you decide and can offer prep tips too.

Why November?

Because this is when the Lakes are at their best: quieter, richer colours, more drama in the sky. The weather can be poor - but with the right kit and guidance, that’s part of the magic, challenge and ultimately, reward.

Travel

Where to Meet: YHA Grasmere

How to Get There:

• Car share (we’ll help coordinate)

• Train to Windermere, then short bus or taxi to Grasmere

• Return from Coniston or back to Grasmere by foot with the group

Final Words

This isn’t a guided bimble to tick off a notable peak.... It’s a journey - a moving basecamp experience through one of the UK’s most legendary landscapes.

You’ll finish tired, maybe a little soggy, but 100% glad you came.

Want to join? Click below to book your spot, or message us if you’ve got questions.

If you’re unsure about anything, please ask Freddie at your next Jove session or send a us a message via IG, email (hello@thejoveclub.com) or WhatsApp.

Book below, send any questions to hello@thejoveclub.com or speak to Freddie at your next Jove Club session.

See our booking terms here.

Essential Gear List (pack as light as possible!):

Mountain Gear:

• Boots or suitable approach shoes

• Three pairs of walking socks (minimum)

• Walking trousers (you can wear shorts for the day routes but bear in mind, it is much colder at the summit of any mountain!)

• Thermal top / base layer

• Warm layers (would recommend a fleece + lightweight down jacket)

• Waterproof jacket + trousers

• Snacks and water for each day on the mountain (minimum of 1L)

• Personal first aid kit

• Survival bag (small foil blanket)

• Baseball cap or sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Sun cream

• Two pairs of gloves for each day as a minimum (if one pair gets wet, you’ll want a spare pair)

• Warm hat

• Walking poles (optional but recommended!)

• Ruck sack ~40L (it needs to be able to fit a spare pair of dry clothes, towel and toiletries for our move to Conniston)

• Waterproof liner

• Headtorch + spare batteries

• Portable charging block

• Midge repellent

• Any medication you need

• Map (if interested, let us know and we’ll advise which map), compass and map case (optional in case you want to practice navigation)

• Whistle

General:

• Personal items (toiletries, medications, etc.)

• Comfortable clothes for the evening

• Recommend eye mask and ear plugs for the hostel

• Would recommend a pair of sandals or flip flops or any other comfy shoes for post hike!

Jove Ski Trip - St Anton - 31 Jan 26 - 7 Feb 26

31 Jan – 7 Feb 2026
From £1,450pp for members*
35 spots only - 27 already reserved - register interest below

We’ve spoken about this a lot and are very excited to for our first trip! Jove Club heads to the legendary slopes of St. Anton am Arlberg - Austria’s iconic alpine playground. This is your week of high-altitude action, fresh air, and après-ski energy with a crew of like-minded people.

We’ve booked out a full 35-person chalet, just minutes from a central lift, complete with cosy rooms, hearty food, and communal spaces perfect for post-slope hangouts. Whether you’re carving black runs or learning to ski for the first time, this trip is about sharing the mountain, not measuring performance.

(*Exact price TBC)

What’s Included

✅ 7 nights in a fully catered chalet (breakfast & dinner daily including beer + wine with one day off for staff)
✅ Return transfers from Innsbruck Airport
✅ 6-day St. Anton area ski pass
✅ Jove Club trip host
✅ Tourist tax

Optional Extras

✅ Ski hire (from £115 with option to upgrade)
✅ Helmet £40 + boot hire £65

What’s Not Included

❌ Flights to and from Innsbruck
❌ Lunches (available on the mountain or in town)
❌ Dinner on the chalet staff’s night off
❌ Food / drinks outside of the chalet
❌ Travel insurance (must include winter sports cover)
❌ Ski lessons (we can arrange separately if needed)

Who It’s For

This trip is for Jove Club members and newcomers alike - whether you're a powder hound, blue-run cruiser, or total beginner. You’ll be grouped by experience for gear and slope advice, and we’ll help you connect with others at your level.

We’re creating a relaxed, welcoming group vibe - no cliques, no pressure, just shared adventure.

Logistics

• Dates: Sat 31 Jan – Sat 7 Feb 2026

• Location: St. Anton, Austria (nearest airport: Innsbruck)

• Price: £1,500pp (non-members) - £1,450pp (members)*

• Deposit: £375 to secure your space with the remainder payable 60 days before the trip

• Flights not included - fly into Innsbruck around midday Saturday for the group transfer - we’ll confirm details

  (*Exact price TBC)

Spaces are Limited - Reserve Now

We’ve only got 35 spaces with 27 already reserved. This will fill quickly. If you're keen, register interest and join our WhatsApp group. We need to collect deposits by the 6th of June.