2024 is a special year as it marks Challengers’ 45th year as a charity, but that’s not the only reason…This year we’ve also celebrated the 10th anniversaries of three of hallmark fundraising events – Kelly’s Cycle Challenge, the Challengers Motoring Event, and the Wood Street Jazz Festival.
All three events have now taken place, and we’re delighted to share that we have raised a combined total of £68,602 through our 10th Anniversary events, which will help us to support disabled children, young people and their families.
Kelly’s Cycle Challenge – Sunday 12th May, Alice Holt Forest
First up was the Kelly’s Cycle Challenge, which we organise in tandem with our longstanding corporate partner Kelly’s Storage Charity Events. We welcomed 295 people to Alice Holt Forest to take part in four different routes, including a special 10th Anniversary route, taking cyclists on a tour through the picturesque countryside and quaint neighbouring villages. Together we pedalled our way to an impressive £20,052 raised. Huge thanks to Kelly’s Storage who covered all event running costs, meaning that we received 100% of the money raised.
Challengers Motoring Event – Sunday 21st July, Guildford
Secondly, we celebrated the Challengers Motoring Event. Revving up for its 10th year, it’s a staple event for car lovers and we’re lucky to have motor enthusiasts travelling from far and wide to attend. After meeting at Brooklands (the birthplace of British Motorsport), owners of classic, specialist and supercars joined us for a bespoke driving route through the Surrey countryside. The drive ended at a private museum boasting an extensive collections of specialist cars and motoring memorabilia, kindly opened to Challengers supporters by the Lewis family. We were thrilled to welcome a record number of 383 attendees to this event, raising £26,058!
Wood Street Jazz Festival – Sunday 21st July, Guildford
And lastly, we enjoyed an afternoon of soulful jazz music in the sun at the Wood Street Jazz Festival. Nestled in the heart of Wood Street Village, this relaxed and family-friendly festival is held in partnership with Guildford Jazz and who always organise a riveting musical programme, and with the wonderful support of the Wood Street Village Committee. Over 500 people came together to enjoy some of the UK’s finest and in-demand jazz bands, as well as delicious Indian cuisine provided by the Shahin restaurant, raising £23,073 to support Challengers’ vital work.
Since our inception in 1979, Challengers has been committed to ending social isolation for disabled children by providing inclusive opportunities for them to have fun and make friends, whilst giving their families essential respite from the demands of caring. As a charity, we need to raise £1.2 million a year in voluntary income to sustain our services, and integral to raising these funds are our fundraising events.
Commenting on this significant milestone, Community and Events Manager, Becky Cox said:
“We are incredibly proud to mark the 10th anniversary of three truly amazing events which are hallmarks in the social calendars of many Challengers supporters. I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who has attended our events as well as our suppliers, venues, sponsors and volunteers – supporting the charity in this way really makes a huge difference, as it helps us to bring joy to hundreds of disabled children each year and give their families a much-needed break from demanding care responsibilities.”
Becky Cox, Challengers Community and Events Manager
Thank you to everyone who attended our 10th Anniversary events, and we look forward to welcoming you to more Challengers events soon.
What’s coming up?
There are plenty of other events and opportunities to get involved in our work! If you like walking take a look at one of our exciting trekking opportunities taking place over September and October, or ‘watch this space’ for more information coming soon about our Virtual Art Auction in November 2024, or exciting Gala Dinner in March 2025!
To learn more about these events and buy tickets, head to our Events page.
