Local children’s charity, Charlie House, has unveiled its 2024 fitness fundraising calendar, offering organisations and individuals the chance to take part in fun and challenging events while raising vital funds to support North-east families.
From long-distance running and walking to cycling and obstacle courses, Charlie House is an associated charity for many in-demand events both locally and on a global scale. Kick-starting with Run Balmoral in April, the calendar also includes the Aberdeen Kiltwalk in June, Ride the North in August and the Banchory Beast Race in September.
The 2024 challenge list follows the success of the 2023 season, which saw corporates such as Dean’s of Huntly, CHAP Group and Well-Safe Solutions, as well as a high volume of individual supporters, raise more than £45,000. This impressive total ensured Charlie House could continue its vital work for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families, including its support services and activities programme.
Emma Leiper Finlayson, director of fundraising at Charlie House said: “Each year we’re grateful to be associated with events that attract a high volume of people, as the fundraising from these challenges is integral to ensuring we reach as many families as we can to provide our services and aid their circumstances.
“Fundraising through fitness events is incredibly fulfilling as not only does it help make a difference to the local community, but on a personal level it can help supporters discover new passions, make new friends and achieve goals they never thought would be possible. For corporate teams especially, it’s a brilliant way to reach CSR objectives, build team morale, bond with colleagues out of a work environment and create a shared sense of achievement.
“As each challenge will also be a motivation tool for participants, we encourage everyone to sign up with plenty of training time to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable experience. Our team is also on hand to offer more information if needed and help with fundraising tips!”
Over the years, organisations that have taken part in fitness challenges have ignited interest and motivation for their employees, including Thomas McRobbie who first started fundraising for Charlie House with his team at Baker Hughes in 2021.
As a keen runner, Thomas discovered his passion for supporting a local cause, and instigated his own 100 miles a month challenge throughout 2023, which included competing in Run Balmoral and the Inverness Marathon.
By the end of the year, Thomas raised £2,070 for the charity. Commenting on his achievement, he said: “2023 was a milestone year for my running journey, and a real highlight was ticking off one of my bucket list items, running the Inverness Marathon.
“Taking part in a fitness challenge, whether it’s one or multiple, is an incredible experience and I’d recommend it to anyone. If you find a sport you’re interested in so you enjoy your training, whether that’s walking, running or cycling, it's a brilliant way to stay in a positive headspace while also reaping physical health benefits.
“Raising money for Charlie House during my training kept me going, not only was the cause keeping me determined, but the fundraising team is incredibly supportive and brilliant at keeping you motivated. The sense of achievement you get, knowing your efforts are helping your local community is so rewarding, and I can’t recommend the process enough to everyone.”
For fitness enthusiasts keen to tick off their next race, the annual Run for Charlie House calendar also offers exclusive spaces to some of the most exciting races in the world, such as the Edinburgh, Berlin, New York, and Paris marathons, in exchange for fundraising.
To find out more about how to support Charlie House by taking part in a fitness event, visit: https://www.charliehouse.org.uk/support-us/events-and-challenges/take-part-in-a-fitness-challenge-for-charlie-house
