Villiers Park Launches '1000KM Fundraiser Challenge' to Empower Young People in Our Hubs

We are excited to announce our October fundraiser! We are challenging staff, supporters, young people, and friends to cover 1000km in the month of October, raising money to support the young people we work with to realise their potential. 

As a national social mobility charity, we empower young people aged 11-19 from under-represented backgrounds in Norwich, Swindon, Tyneside and Hastings and Bexhill to develop their skills and confidence and realise their potential. We use one-on-one coaching, employer and university visits, social action projects and online courses to support our students, and this year are looking forward to working with over 500 students in schools and colleges through the Future Leaders programme. 

There is nearly 1000km between our hubs and we have set ourselves a challenge for October to travel this distance. The challenge is open to all: whether you prefer to walk, run, cycle, swim, hop, skip or jump, you can contribute to the 1000KM target. It can be from the comfort of your own home, at the gym, or braving the October weather outdoors!

Maria Healy, Villiers Park Corporate Partnerships Manager has set herself a particularly ambitious challenge, taking on 100km in a Cambridge to Norwich Cycle. 

“I’m very excited to be part of the team across the whole charity, who are coming together to challenge themselves in October. Having been on residentials with the students last year, I know how impactful the funds will be towards enabling young people to succeed.” 

Many of our colleagues have pledged kilometres in aid of the Challenge, motivated by the wonderful young people we work with. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters and partners to run our programmes. Everything we raise through the 1000km Challenge will go directly to benefiting young people across the country.

Abigail a student on the Villiers Park Future Leaders programme said: 

“When I joined the programme I already knew that I wanted to attend university. Where the programme has helped those plans is to realise that Oxbridge is an option for me, and then to give me the confidence to really consider if Oxbridge is what I want, or if staying local at great universities would be better for me and my future.” 

Whether you're an avid athlete or simply want to take a leisurely stroll, every step, pedal, or stroke you make will contribute to the 1000km target and £5,000 fundraising goal. 

For those who are unable to participate directly in the challenge but still want to support, you can visit the fundraising page. Or can also find out more about how Villiers Park raises funds.

To get involved with a pledge or donation, please visit our fundraising page.