Local youth charities Mentoring Plus and Off The Record are inviting people to get involved this summer in The Big BaNES 100k, an outdoor fundraising challenge.
Young people embarked on a 5k walk to launch The Big BaNES 100k | Photo © Roy Newport / Mentoring Plus
Launched in collaboration with The Bath 5k Map, The Big BaNES 100k invites fundraisers to “walk, run, cycle, swim, skate, kayak or do it your way” to reach the 100km milestone.
Big BaNES 100k fundraisers can combine any number of outdoor activities, and choose to go it alone, bring family, friends and colleagues along with them, or relay their way to the finish line.
Organisers hope the inclusive and flexible nature of the challenge will encourage people of all ages to get involved and raise vital funds for Mentoring Plus and Off The Record.
Offering inspiration for how and where to get those steps, sprints or cycles in is The Bath 5k Map, which has inspired this challenge, and already raised more than £5,000 for the two charities.
Bath resident and Bath 5k Map creator Annie Legge, said: “I’m thrilled to see this challenge come to life and the opportunity to raise vital funding to support the work of Mentoring Plus and Off the Record.
“Promoting access for our communities to the beautiful rivers, paths, parks and countryside around us in Bath is at the heart of The Bath 5k Map and what better way to bring this challenge and get people exploring!”
With access to support for mental health and well-being an increasing challenge for young people, the chief executive of Mentoring Plus, Ruth Keily, said every pound raised will make a difference.
“The Big BaNES 100k challenge offers everyone in our community a chance to get behind a generation of young people who have been heavily impacted by lockdowns and cuts to vital support services.
“Right now, in BaNES, schools, statutory services and mental health support are under immense pressure, leaving many young people nowhere to turn.
“But, with your help, we can give young people the inspiration and support they need to feel safe, heard and hopeful for their future.”
Off The Record’s development manager, James Brown, said: “As charities dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young people in BaNES, we would welcome your involvement in this unique fundraising challenge.”
To take part in The Big BaNES 100k fundraising challenge, which runs until Friday 27th September, visit https://bit.ly/the-big-banes-100k.
