With summer on the horizon, the UK’s first children and young people’s bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish, is calling upon people to take on a sponsored walking challenge locally to raise awareness of its services.
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 the warmest weather is just around the corner, the charity is calling upon local tenacious trekkers and novice navigators alike to take on the Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge and raise awareness and money for Winston’s Wish.
Locally, the Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge is taking place on the weekend of the 21 and 22 of June and encourages participants to choose their own distance and either walk, jog, or run arguably one of the UK’s finest landscapes, becoming part of a community of more than 2000 adventurers who come together for their special causes, all while enjoying the glorious landscapes.
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 is an affiliated 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 choose, the route will begin at Cirencester and take in stunning vistas along the Cotswold Way, encompassing rolling hills through the quintessentially beautiful county of Gloucestershire.
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 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, commented, “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 take your fitness to the next level with a charity fundraiser. We are thrilled to be an official affiliate of the Ultra Challenges 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 21 and 22 June. As Winston’s Wish is an affiliated partner on this event, you get a 25% discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support Winston’s Wish.
