Helping Action with a head for heights

Kathy Harvey joined Action as a trustee in April 2018. She has an extensive background in HR, corporate governance, strategy formulation and change management, and currently runs a consulting practice providing executive education and coaching for major corporate clients. On Saturday 8 September she will be swapping meetings for a mountain as she takes on our Ben Nevis Challenge. We spoke to Kathy to find out what preparations she has made to conquer the summit and why she’s keen to support Action. 

(L-R) Kathy Harvey with Lynne Choo-Choy

Kathy, you’re a Trustee for Action: how and when did you first become aware of the charity?

I worked with Phil Hodkinson (Action’s Chair) on another Board and he introduced me to Action a couple of years ago. I was really struck by the work that the charity does; it’s quite unique that a charity of your size offers to help funding for such a variety of conditions. I am extremely impressed with the quality of research that Action helps to fund.  Although I am a relative new comer, it is very exciting to see the impact that research projects and research fellows have had over the history of Action and to glimpse the future possibilities of research currently funded.

And so you have kindly decided to support Action’s fundraising by taking on Ben Nevis! Have you ever done a similar challenge before?

This is my first challenge in aid of Action; having recently joined as a Trustee it was always my aim to get involved with the events and do my bit to help raise some vital funds. I am a fan of hiking and have done a fair bit in the past. Earlier this year I went on a trek in Peru and did quite a bit of training for that.  Unfortunately, half way through the trek I had an injury to my knee and had to abandon the rest of the trip.  So, I have had to take it a bit easy and do lots of physio!  With fingers crossed and a sturdy brace, it should be fine!!

Wow – that sounds like quite an adventure. Hopefully there will be no injuries on the Ben Nevis challenge! What are you most looking forward to about it?  

I think it will be fun to do this as part of a group.  I’m going with a friend – Lynne Choo-Choy – and I think we’re both looking forward to getting to know other people on the way up. It’s nice having a bit of camaraderie and an experience that you can share with other people. It should hopefully help carry us to the top!

What are you least looking forward to?!  

Ha! Well, it would be terrific if the weather is decent but I’m not going to worry about it. I’m sure whatever the conditions our enthusiasm won’t be dampened that much; I’ll be ready for any eventuality!

That’s the spirit! Finally, why should other people sign up for future Action challenges?  

There are so many different fundraising events to choose from and all in aid of a fantastic cause.  There is something for everyone and really for all abilities. It’s all about challenging yourself. Why not do something you enjoy, have fun and raise funding for important research all at the same time?  Everyone wins!