Backing Determination, Resilience and Community
At MissionCX, we believe success is built on more than technical expertise. Whether we’re delivering commissioning, operational readiness, project transitioning and digital engineering services across the UK’s most complex, mission-critical industries, or supporting the communities where we live and work, our values of Unity, Integrity and Innovation are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to support 17-year-old Tom Finch as he embarks on an extraordinary fundraising challenge in aid of Born Free Foundation and Eden Valley Hospice (Jigsaw). Starting on Sunday 2 August 2026, Tom will undertake an epic 12-day Penrith to Paris Ultra Triathlon, covering more than 1,100 kilometres across three demanding endurance disciplines.
The Challenge
Over 12 consecutive days, Tom will complete:
A four-day cycle from Penrith to Dover, covering approximately 780km at around 180km per day.
A 33km English Channel swim, completed in a single day.
Seven consecutive marathons, running from Calais to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Remarkably, Tom will complete the challenge as the sole participant, relying on months of preparation, unwavering determination and the support of his family throughout the journey.
A Remarkable Record of Achievement
Although only 17 years old, this is already Tom’s fifth fundraising challenge, and by far his biggest to date.
His previous achievements include:
2024 – Running the length of the UK in 24 consecutive days, aged just 15, earning a Guinness World Record.
2022 – Reaching Everest Base Camp at just 13 years old.
2020 – Completing the UK Three Peaks Challenge back-to-back, aged 11.
2018 – Walking Hadrian’s Wall over four days at just 9 years old.
Each challenge has been completed to raise money for charity and demonstrates a level of resilience, commitment and determination far beyond his years. After more than 18 months of dedicated training, Tom now prepares to take on what is undoubtedly his biggest challenge yet.
A Family Effort
Behind every extraordinary challenge is an equally dedicated support team. Tom’s dad, Gavin Finch, will be cycling alongside him during sections of the route, assisting during the English Channel swim—including a very early morning start—and acting as Tom’s cycle safety rider throughout France. His mum, Macaila, will also be supporting the challenge from start to finish, helping ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the twelve-day journey. Together, they’ll help Tom every mile from Penrith to Paris.
Proud to Support
MissionCX is delighted to support Tom’s fundraising efforts with a donation towards his challenge. Supporting our communities is every bit as important to us as supporting our clients. Every day we help organisations safely deliver commissioning, operational readiness, project transitioning and digital engineering services, and we believe the same values that underpin successful projects—teamwork, resilience, planning and determination—are reflected in extraordinary challenges like Tom’s. Everyone at MissionCX wishes Tom, Gavin, Macaila and the entire support team every success. We’ll be cheering them on from the very first mile in Penrith to the finish beneath the Eiffel Tower.
Why Your Support Matters
Tom and his family have always self-funded these incredible fundraising challenges, dedicating countless hours to training, planning and preparation. An event of this scale comes with significant costs, from Channel pilot boats and accommodation to specialist training, equipment and travel. Through this fundraising campaign, Tom aims to donate 50% of all funds raised directly to Born Free Foundation and Eden Valley Hospice (Jigsaw), with the remaining funds helping to cover the essential costs of completing this extraordinary challenge. Every donation, large or small, will help Tom achieve his goal while supporting two charities that make a real difference to people’s lives.
Support Tom’s Challenge
Tom begins his incredible Penrith to Paris Ultra Triathlon on Sunday 2 August, but there’s still time to support him. Whether it’s £5, £10 or more, every donation will help Tom raise vital funds for Born Free Foundation and Eden Valley Hospice (Jigsaw) while supporting him through what will undoubtedly be the toughest challenge of his life.
Donate today
https://www.gofundme.com/f/p2pultratri2026
Thank you for supporting an incredible young athlete and helping two fantastic charities continue their vital work.
Supporting Extraordinary People. Delivering Extraordinary Projects
MissionCX provides commissioning, operational readiness, project transitioning and digital engineering services across the nuclear, defence, energy and wider infrastructure sectors. Working with some of the UK’s most complex and highly regulated projects, we’re committed to delivering safer, smarter outcomes while creating lasting value for our clients, our communities and future generations. Whether you’re looking for trusted commissioning expertise or would like to learn more about MissionCX, we’d love to hear from you.
