Take a Challenge for Charity in 2011

Whether you’re a keen runner, walker or swimmer, have a love of extreme sports or are just looking to try something new, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is urging people in the East Midlands to take a challenge in 2011 and raise much-needed funds for the charity at the same time.

From night time bike rides in London and dragon boat racing in Nottingham to rainforest treks in Brazil, horseback riding in Mongolia, and dog sledding in Sweden, there is a challenge for everyone and every level of fitness.

Fundraisers are invited to sign up to Rainbows’ challenges – taking place all year long – or to take on their own challenge, which can include anything from sponsored walks, overseas skydives or even knitting or cake baking.

Katie Baxter, community and events manager at Rainbows, said: “Last year, those taking part in Rainbows’ challenge events raised more than £700,000 for the charity, every penny of which went towards the £3.8 million is takes to run Rainbows each year.

“The level of support that Rainbows receives from fundraisers is fundamental in the work that Rainbows does, and we’re very grateful for all those that donate money so we can continue to support the children and families that need us.”

Nottinghamshire worker Ian Tilley has been raising money for Rainbows for the past eight years.  About to embark on training for his fourteenth consecutive London marathon, Ian has raised more than £147,000 for a number of charities since his first sponsored run.

Ian, who is a Site Services Engineer at E.ON’s Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, said: “I began running at the age of 43 and over the years I’ve supported a number of charitable causes.  Colleagues at Ratcliffe Power Station have been raising funds for Rainbows since the Hospice opened and when I started working at the site eight years ago, I couldn’t think of a better local charity to support.”

Ian usually runs six days a week, whatever the weather, and usually does between three and six miles per day. This year, 57-year-old Ian is hoping to complete the marathon in less than five hours, though his personal best is 3 hours 51 minutes.

Ian continued: “Rainbows really is an amazing place. When you do a marathon there is often a point when you hit a bit of a brick wall and feel like you can’t finish. When that happens I think of all the young people who are sadly terminally ill and who need specialist care and support, and this really does inspire me to carry on. What the staff at Rainbows do for these children and their families is phenomenal and I feel privileged to have been able to help them.”

For further information on Rainbows’ Challenge events, please contact Rainbows fundraising team on 0800 952 1133 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please visit www.rainbows.co.uk/challenges for a full list of events taking place in 2011.