Did you, like me, watch the people running the London marathon and wonder if you could ever do something like that? Did you imagine the elation and sense of achievement you’d feel?
Well, we’ve got a way for you to secure bragging rights forever, and raise funds for a great cause – which will hopefully spur you on along the way! We won’t even ask you to wear a costume..!
Shannon Trust has teamed up with Run for Charity, so that we can offer exclusive places to some of the biggest events across the UK, and even abroad.
There are running events for all abilities, from fun runners and beginners to marathon runners. If running isn’t for you there are other events too, for those who want to cycle, try an obstacle course or even a bungee jump.
Take a look at events in your area
With so many great causes to support, you might be thinking ‘why Shannon Trust?’
If you’ve ever lost yourself in a good book, or completed a form, or worked out a budget for something, then you might find it hard to imagine what it would be like if you suddenly couldn’t do those things.
That’s the reality for over 70% of people in prison, and 15% in the general population who struggle with literacy and numeracy.
Our solution: We train people in prison who can read and do numeracy (mentors) to teach those who can’t (learners). In the community, we train volunteers to support people to learn. Working through our bespoke learning programmes, Turning Pages and Count Me In, together learners and mentors find their lives changed. Learners find day to day life safer, easier to understand, and have improved prospects for education and employment. Mentors report improved confidence and self-esteem, feeling proud of what they have achieved with their learner.
The benefits aren’t just felt on an individual level. Low literacy and low numeracy often runs in families. By supporting someone to learn, we are helping to break that cycle, improving the life chances for future generations. Access to education also reduces re-offending, leading to a better society for us all.
As a Shannon Trust fundraiser you’ll have the support of the fundraising team, and lots of resources at your fingertips to help you – including a fundraising pack, which has some practical suggestions to help you, sponsorship forms, posters and social media graphics. As well as raising funds we hope that you’ll tell your friends, family and colleagues about what you’re doing –you’ll be raising awareness of the work we do and why it matters.
Check out our challenge events here
P.S. We know that not everyone can get active, and we don’t all have the time to train for a physical challenge. There are lots of other ways to raise funds, get involved and bring people together in a good cause. Send us an email fundraising@shannontrust.org.uk if you’d like some ideas.
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