January Fundraising Highlights from Children on the Edge

Here’s a round up of our fundraising news from January - thank you to all our supporters for their passion and enthusiasm for Children on the Edge - it makes such a huge difference.

Take a look at what they’ve been up to…

We kicked off the start of 2022 with ‘New Years Day to 5K’ - a virtual challenge with the goal of hitting a 5km running or walking target. Inspired by the popular ‘Couch to 5K’, the challenge was open to all. Whether you were a seasoned marathon runner, a park run regular or a complete beginner, we encouraged individuals, families and groups of all ages and abilities to stand together and take on the challenge in their own way this January whilst raising funds for Children on the Edge at the same time. 

The beauty of these virtual fundraising challenges - which were born out of lockdown - meant that people all across the country, regardless of location, level of fitness, running experience or free time could make it work for them. We saw so many people make their own stamp on the challenge; which was brilliant. 

We welcomed all members of the challenge to join an interactive community through a New Years Day to 5K Facebook group. Here, people shared training ideas, photos and videos and gave each other much encouragement. ​

Cheryl, who suffers with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), was unable to run; however that didn’t stop her! She took on a mammoth 7km walk with her husband and fluffy companion because she was inspired by the challenge and wanted to take part in raising funds for Children on the Edge. Cheryl raised an amazing £150! 

Cheryl with her husband on her 7km walk

 “This has taken us most of the day, as I have to keep stopping to recharge due to my MS. …the walk was really enjoyable, but tough for me. But I try not to let things beat me.” ​

For Sarah, the challenge was 10 x 5km runs in January - a task not for the faint hearted - but she smashed it, raising £200 along the way! ​

Sarah took on ten 5km runs!

Melany raised an amazing £150

Melany knew she regularly hit 5km in dribs and drabs, but decided to tackle the challenge in one day. On the last Sunday of January, Melany took to her treadmill, went live on Facebook and smashed out the 5km and raised an incredible £150 too!

The New Years Day to 5K challenge started 2022 off with a bang, having 200 people join the community group on Facebook and over £2000 has been raised so far! Thank you to everyone who took part.

Annie, our Fundraising Officer said:

"It's been wonderful seeing everyone get involved in our New Year challenge over the past month. People have been challenging themselves and it has been inspiring to see just how many people have got themselves up and moving on cold winter days, all for Children on the Edge! Thank you so much to everyone who took part."

The money our virtual challengers have raised will go such a long way to support our work to co-create protective environments where children can flourish. 

If you’d like to get involved in our next virtual event, keep an eye out for news in your inbox or on our website! If you don’t receive our emails already, you can sign up here. 
 

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COULD YOU RUN THE BRIGHTON MARATHON FOR CHILDREN ON THE EDGE?

We’re still looking for experienced runners to grab one of our Brighton Marathon charity places. We have just 6 places left at this year’s Brighton Marathon on Sunday 10th April. After a few years of disruptions and cancellations, it’s set to be their biggest race yet, and places are sold out, so if you know of anyone looking to run a marathon this year, this could be their chance. 
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• When: Sunday 10th April 
• Where: Preston Park, Brighton City Centre
• Fundraising Target: raising £550 for Children on the Edge 
• Who: With the event not far away, this would suit an experienced runner, who is already running regularly and comfortable running 45 minutes, so they can build up to a marathon distance by April. 

Find out more here, or get in touch with Annie in our Fundraising Team: [email protected] or call her on 01243 956637.