Two committed ESS team members are gearing up for a truly unforgettable experience as they take on Race Across the UK, raising funds and awareness for Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
ESS provides a broad range of soft facilities management (FM) services to the Defence, Energy, and Government sectors. While Jake is new to the organisation, he and Jan – who each oversee soft FM operations at different Naval Bases – have come together as Team ESS. Meeting in person for the first time at the starting line, they are bonded by a shared sense of adventure, service to the military community, and a strong belief in the work RNRMC delivers.
“We’ve never met before, which means we will have lots to talk about during our time together – no better way than while racing across the country!” said Jan. “We both volunteered for the challenge and are committed to making a difference for those who serve.”
Jan, an avid distance runner, was drawn to the challenge as a way to test herself in new ways:
“I normally do long distance running and Race Across the UK will be something different for me. I like to be challenged as the skills you learn are always transferable to your daily life and make you stronger and a better problem solver.”
For Jake, the motivation is twofold:
“This will push my resourcefulness to the limit. I’m a massive fan of the TV show Hunted, and this feels a bit like my opportunity to evade capture! But more importantly, it’s for an amazing cause with which I have strong affinity, particularly being the child of a military household.”
Both teammates have witnessed the impact of the support RNRMC provides across their communities and networks.
“During the pandemic, RNRMC made a real difference at HMS Raleigh, by enhancing the service for the Phase 1 trainees who did not have the same level of socialising as other recruits, and I know how much this meant to them. I have also seen the benefits of grants awarded by RNRMC to enhance social areas for the service personnel and what a difference this can make to lots of people,” Jan shared.
Both team members are no strangers to fundraising and community work. Jan has been at the heart of local efforts, organising VE Day bake sales, quiz nights, raffles, and a 16-mile walk from BRNC to Dartington Hall. She’s also completed a run from Brighton to London, with another monumental 130-mile run from Liverpool to Leeds on the horizon.
Jake, meanwhile, recently completed the Torbay Half Marathon in support of Children and War UK, and volunteers as a Community Speaker for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
As they prepare to take on Race Across the UK, both are excited by the unknown and motivated by the mission.
Their advice to anyone thinking about taking on the challenge for RNRMC?
“Do as much planning as you can, pack light, and go for it – you only get one shot at life, make it count,” said Jan. “Get stuck in, learn more about yourself, and do it while making a meaningful difference. For many, RNRMC is more than just a charity – it’s a lifeline” added Jake.
You can register your very own team here: https://lupine.co.uk/race/2025-rnrmc-race-across-the-uk.html
