At HA&W, we have been completing fundraising challenges for more than 20 years.
From walking the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path in aid of Parkinson’s UK to 2021’s virtual trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats, we’ve raised thousands of pounds for good causes.
Last year’s “by any means necessary” trip was a huge success, raising much-needed funds for the Loughborough Area Food Bank.
Since then, soaring inflation has plunged the UK into a cost of living crisis.
The Resolution Foundation states that 1.3 million of us will be pushed into absolute poverty next year. Worryingly, that figure includes 500,000 children.
The work of the Loughborough Food Bank has never been more important.
And that’s why we’re so proud to announce that the HA&W virtual fundraiser is back this year, bigger and better than ever!
Land’s End to John O’Groats… and back again
Last year, our dedicated team walked, ran, cycled, and rowed the length of the country.
On the weekend of 11 and 12 September 2021 alone, we covered more than 500 miles. To complete this year’s challenge, though, we won’t just be walking 500 more!
That’s right. Not content with travelling the length of the country, this year we’re going bigger. With a larger HA&W team and increased demand for the services of food banks, we’re doubling the distance we’ll need to cover.
With 11 team members signed up so far, we’ll be recruiting family members too.
Travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again will mean covering a whopping 2,166 miles. And we’re looking to complete that distance in just 14 days – between 18 September and 1st October.
So, wish us luck and stay tuned for ways that you can support our challenge. We’ll be keeping you updated with all the latest news as training gets underway and we prepare for our summer push.
In the meantime, a quick reminder of why we think this epic challenge is so worthwhile.
Our chosen charity makes a huge difference to those struggling in our community
The Loughborough Food Bank is a local charity that supports vulnerable people and families in our area.
The charity has given out 140 tonnes of food since it was founded in January 2019. It gave out 43 tonnes of food last year alone, feeding nearly 5,000 people, including 1,900 children.
It’s devastating to see the number of UK children who are going hungry in 2022. More than half of food bank users are families with children and the numbers are growing.
But every client they feed is a victory. These are real people with real lives facing real hardship. Every donation makes a huge difference to struggling people in our community.
And it’s not just food.
They already have a debt counselling service but since our 2021 fundraiser, the charity has added a mental health worker and a family support worker. Hunger and financial worries often lead to anxiety and stress and more than 50% of food bank clients have some form of mental health issue.
The charity is also starting a job club, to help tackle the cause of the growing hunger problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. A recently completed extension will house these new facilities and will also include a tranquil garden for wellbeing.
While the charity has a wonderful team of volunteers, what they do need is funds. That is where HA&W’s challenge can make all of the difference and where your support matters most.
The charity is helping local people to avoid hunger, get the counselling they need, and clear debt.
The money we raise will help to further extend the services this amazing charity offers, helping them work toward their long-term aim to help clients solve the underlying issues of poverty.
You can donate here to support this great cause.
Get in touch
Stay tuned for charity updates, and in the meantime, remember that we are here for you. If you have any concerns about the rising cost of living or its potential impact on your long-term plans, contact us now to find out how our Chartered financial planners could help.
