Established in 1992, Winston’s Wish supports children and young people throughout the UK up to the age of 25 when their worlds are turned upside down by grief, as well as the adults around them.
As May marks the National Walking Month, the charity is calling upon local tenacious trekkers and novice navigators alike to take on the London to Brighton Ultra challenge and raise awareness and money for Winston’s Wish.
Locally, the London to Brighton Challenge is taking place on the bank holiday weekend of the 24th and 25th of May encourages participants to choose their own distance and either walk, jog or run arguably one of the finest stretches of the UK’s coastline, becoming part of a community of more than 2000 adventurers who come together for their special causes all while enjoying the glorious seascapes.
As with all the Ultra Challenges, the event is iconic for its community spirit and added extras, including hospitality and treats along the way, contributing to an uplifting atmosphere amid a beautiful environment.
As Winston’s Wish are an official partner on this event, you get a 25% discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support Winston’s Wish and will get an exclusive support bundle plus lots of extra benefits on the day, including free food, medal and a glass of fizz at the finish line!
Depending on the distance you chose, the route will encompass a start in Richmond’s pretty Old Deer Park before heading to the North Downs and the glorious countryside of Surrey and Sussex. Longer distances heads up and over the South Downs before the Brighton coastline beckons you along to the finish line.
Last year, Winston’s Wish supported more than 82,000 bereaved children and young people. The charity supports young people when somebody important to them dies and offers support pre and post-bereavement, as well as offering advice and education to parents, carers, teachers or other professionals such as teachers when a child or young adult is grieving.
The charity champions instant bereavement support, bypassing long wait lists for support. Young people or the adults around them can reach out to Winston’s Wish themselves to speak to a bereavement support worker.
Kerry Waite, Sports and Challenges Officer comments, “Countless participants in our sporting challenges have personal stories and connections to our cause, and we’re delighted to see so many people come together to help us to be there and visible to grieving families with young people.
“The Ultra Challenges are truly a bucket list experience, whether you are a seasoned hiker or are looking to kickstart your trekking journey this National Walking Month. We are thrilled to be an official partner at the London to Brighton Challenge and be able to offer people the option to sign up and wear the coral crest of Winston’s Wish to stand in solidarity with the UK’s bereaved children.”
Participants can sign up to walk between 10km and 100km on the weekend of the 24th and 25th of May, during National Walking Month. As Winston’s Wish are an official partner on this event, you get a 25% discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support Winston’s Wish. For further details, including how to register, please visit the dedicated Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge webpage on the Winston’s Wish website.
Winston’s Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.