Fundraising Hall of Fame

Event: Great North Run
Fundraising total: £1,360

In 2024, the year he turned 50, Paul decided to celebrate by challenging himself to take on the Great North Run. Paul set himself the further challenge to raise £1,000 by race day to mark the wonderful 1000 days his family had grown by having their foster child with them. 

“We’ve currently got a child in placement with us in our family and two weeks ago he’d been with us for 1000 days. We’ve been supported by Barnardo’s for the last four years through training, placement and ongoing [support], so it was the obvious choice.” 

When race day came, not only did Paul cross the finish line in fantastic time, he also raised an incredible £1360!   

When asked what advice he’d give to anyone thinking about taking on a fundraising challenge for Barnardo’s in the future, Paul said, “Do more training than I did (laughs). But no, the crowd will take you along, they’re really well organised events, so just give it a go!”. 

Event: Edinburgh Marathon
Fundraising total: £3,083.71

“After growing up in Castlemilk Glasgow, from one trap house to another with two drug addicts as parents it took a police raid to find and rescue me from the violence, hardship and malnourishment I was stuck in without knowing any difference. It took a children’s home, numerous foster care [placements] and eventually being adopted by two angels, John and Marion, to give me a real chance to be safe, educated and wanted by someone for the first time in my life.

“I broke away from this cycle by pure luck, but not every child is as blessed to have a safe future ahead, so this means everything to me to raise money for a charity with a bigger heart than mine. 

“I found the marathon challenging. The Scottish weather and high winds didn’t make it easy, and this was another challenge to face.

“Like everything in life, you push yourself forward, although mentally and physically it breaks you. Over the course all I could think about was where I started in life, and how blessed I really was to be adopted to two beautiful people. My mum Marion really is my angel in life and the first time I hugged her it was the safest I felt in all my childhood, a feeling that pushed me over all boundaries that day I never expected to face.”  

Event: Cycling the four geographical points of England 
Fundraising total: £463

As children, we helped Chris’ Dad, along with his sister and brother so we were front of mind when choosing a charity to support. In memory of his Dad, Chris took on his own challenge, cycling between the four geographical points of mainland. The tour is called ‘4 Kingdoms 24’ as it passes through the last four Saxon kingdoms of England in the year 2024: Wessex, Murcia, Northumbria and East Anglia. 

Chris says, “My Dad very much liked the books of Bernard Cornwell and enjoyed the Last Kingdom series of books telling the story of the creation of England as a country. The tour starts with a train ride to Penzance then on my recumbent trike cycling to all four points. Starting in the far west, Lands End, far south, Lizard point, far north, Marshall Meadows Bay, finishing in the far east, Lowestoft Ness. Taking the train home from there. In total that’s 1,069.1 miles of cycling over two weeks.”

“The feeling when we got to the top is something that you just can’t describe” – Steve Bibby.

This 5-day trip took Team Co-op on a journey through the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco to the highest peak in North Africa, the famous Mt Toubkal at 4,167m. They camped by night and trekked up to eight hours a day to reach the summit. Since partnering with Barnardo’s, Team Co-op has taken on multiple adventures, raising over £280,000 to date. 

Event: The Big Toddle
Fundraising total 2024: £8,697
All-time fundraising total: £43,816.74

“At Bright Little Stars Nursery, fundraising for Barnardo’s has become a cherished tradition. It’s more than just raising funds; it’s a journey of compassion and community spirit that we eagerly embark on.  

"The Big Toddle event has become a highlight for us; the joy on the children’s faces and the involvement from our parents during the event is truly priceless – it's a testament to the magic of giving back.  

"The resources provided are invaluable, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable for both children and staff alike. Together, we've raised an incredible £42,816.74 in total for Barnardo’s, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make such a significant impact on the lives of children in need. We look forward to many more years of making a difference together.” 

Kelly Dunn, Area Manager at Bright Little Stars Nursery 

Fundraising total: More than £40,000

Long standing Barnardo’s supporters St Helen’s Lunch Club are devoted and passionate fundraisers. They have raised over £40,000 for us through delicious and very popular lunches.

Susan Hayes recalls their latest function, “At the November reunion, and again in December for the Christmas lunch, the buzz in the air was almost deafening!  Members were so pleased to be reunited after no less than 20 months of not being able to be together.   

“As is the norm, an excellent three course meal, followed by tea or coffee and mints, was enjoyed in the Colours Restaurant, part of St. Helens College.  In fact, the college has hosted the Lunch Club throughout its 30-year history.  

“Together, the College and the Lunch Club are a winning combination! Colours allows students the opportunity to develop their culinary and service skills through hands-on work experience. Lunch Club members enjoy a high-quality lunch in the company of their friends, and, prior to the pandemic, a regular speaker. 

“Especially important, and augmented by a raffle, money is regularly raised for Barnardo’s work with children and young people.”