Words by Smiley Team
As spring approaches the weather is improving, offering the perfect opportunity to get outside and brighten people’s lives to match the brightening weather by fundraising for charity. Here is our selection of charitable events in aid of a variety of causes supporting good health and wellbeing. Participate in these challenges to lift your mood and improve others’ lives as we come out of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Taking place on 11th April, the Royal Parks Half Marathon still has charity places available. The central London route will take participants past some of the capital’s most famous landmarks and four of its royal parks: Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens. To participate, get in touch with the charity of your choice from the list available here.
Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer. But with the help of fundraisers, the charity Bowel Cancer UK, offers health advice and leads research projects to support people diagnosed with the disease. You can help the charity continue its vital work by joining their Step up for 30 challenge this April. This is a flexible event that simply involves doing exercise on a daily basis while getting friends and family to sponsor you. Sign up here.
The Teenage Cancer Trust is inviting supporters to take on the challenge of doing 5,000 lunges in April. Funds raised for the event will help support young people to fight cancer with emotional and practical support as well as lobbying policymakers and advancing service provision. Sign up to participate in the challenge here.
For the Jurassic Coast Challenge on 15th - 16th May, walking enthusiasts are invited to cover 25, 50 or 100km along a scenic route taking in views of England’s coastline. Participants will pass the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset, the natural stone arches of Durdle Door and West Bay’s remarkable ridged cliffs. The event’s charity partners span a large range of causes, including mental and physical health. To sign up as a charity fundraising team, contact the charity directly. Find a list of participating organisations here.
Join London’s flattest and most scenic marathon, the Richmond Marathon, to fundraise for the charity that most interests you. Falling on 16th May, the marathon will lead runners through London’s greenest borough, Richmond, which is home to Kew Gardens, Richmond Bridge and the Tow Path. Find a list of charities and their contact details to organise your sponsored run here.
