This May, everyone is invited to complete 50k throughout the month, however and wherever they like. Whether they walk, run, cycle, row, swim, paddle, or any other form they choose to take on the challenge – it really is inclusive and open to anyone.
Now into its third year, 50K Your Way can be spread across the whole month or completed all in one day, alone or with teammates, friends and family.
Participants are asked to raise funds while taking on the challenge which will help Changing Lives - founded over 50 years ago in the North East – to continue to support those people facing the most challenging circumstances to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Speaking to Abby Robinson, the Senior Fundraising Manager at Changing Lives about the event, she said: “Changing Lives supports over 14,000 people each year who face the most difficult of circumstances experiencing homelessness, abuse, exploitation, addiction, and long-term unemployment.
The funds raised from the Changing Lives event will help those facing homelessness, abuse, addiction, and unemployment to live better lives.
“Rapidly increasing food and energy costs, coupled with changes to the tax and benefit system means these people are pushed further into a life of extreme poverty, unable to afford essentials such as food, gas, electricity, water and rent, leading to an increase in homelessness.
“By signing up to our fun annual fundraising event, 50K Your Way, we can raise vital funds so we can make positive lasting change for these people, for a brighter, more stable future. The event is really inclusive- you can choose how and when you complete your 50K, and you can go it alone or tackle it as a team, so please sign up today GivePenny | 50k Your Way 2023.”
The Cost-of-Living crisis has acutely impacted those who rely on the support of charities like Changing Lives. According to recent figures, the number of rough sleepers in England rose by an annual increase of 26% in 2022, which is the largest increase since 2015.
According to The Guardian, the chief executive of Homeless Link, Rick Henderson, spoke about the concerning rise of rough sleepers, saying: “The 26% rise is evidence of how the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated longstanding drivers of homelessness, such as a shortage of affordable housing, an often punitive welfare system and increasingly stretched health services.” The crisis is adding to the mounting pressure charities face to offer support to those in challenging circumstances.
The funds raised from the Changing Lives event will help those facing homelessness, abuse, addiction, and unemployment to live better lives. Last year, the event was a huge success and raised over £5,000. This year they hope to raise even more.
You can now sign up to complete the 50K Your Way Challenge to help raise funds and awareness for the work Changing Lives does. Visit the website for more information and to sign up: GivePenny | 50k Your Way 2023