Our July Challengers raised £16,782 to fight poverty
This July, people across County Durham, Tees Valley and beyond came together to take on 38.7 Miles in July, our first ever sporting community challenge.
38.7 Miles in July is part of our 30th anniversary activity to raise £30,000 for local communities. All donations to Point North are distributed as grants to community groups, projects or local charities who are fighting poverty and enriching lives here in County Durham and Tees Valley.
38.7 Miles in July
Our own research recently showed that 38.7% of children in County Durham and Tees Valley are growing up in poverty, the challenge invited people to walk, run, cycle, swim or move 38.7 miles across the month, in support of local communities facing some of the sharpest pressures in the country.
Together, you raised £16,782 to help fight poverty and support families when their struggling to afford the essentials.
People took part in all sorts of ways, alone, with friends, at work and as part of teams. Businesses, schools, community organisations and individuals all got involved, each finding their own way to do something practical about a problem affecting far too many children and families across our communities. Some used their daily commute, others joined local running or walking groups, and many used Durham parkrun to help reach their miles.
Together for County Durham and Tees Valley
One of the groups that really got behind the challenge was Pilates by Physiotherapy in Durham.
Led by founder Anne Burr, 51 people walked, ran and cycled a combined 3,848 miles, raising an incredible £6,247.
A Walking WhatsApp group was set up so people could go out together, and participants ranged from regular runners to people in their 80s who simply wanted to do their bit.
Anne herself covered 160 miles across the month, while her daughter Rachel walked and cycled an amazing 387 miles!
Anne said that her clients “were horrified by the level of child poverty and felt it was an important cause to support while also promoting physical activity.”
With, not for, local communities
Our 30 years in County Durham and Tees Valley has taught us that the people who understand what communities need are the people already in them.
That’s why we put communities at the heart of all we do. We take time to build relationships, listen carefully, value local expertise and experiences. This means we know we can direct funds to the places they can make the most difference.
Our July Challenge tried to take the same approach. We asked people to be involved, in any way they could, big or small.
We invited people to join in with us, take part and bring others with them. Anne and her 51 clients did just that, and their community showed up for the communities of County Durham and Tees Valley.
“The lovely thing is that, as well as raising a significant amount of money, it’s carried on having a positive impact because a lot of those who took part have carried on as a walking group."
We saw businesses, schools and organisations take part, rallying their staff and customers all to make today better and tomorrow brighter for children who deserve to live a life free from poverty.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who donated, fundraised, shared the challenge or cheered others on along the way.
The funds raised will go to local charities and community groups who are working to fight poverty and enrich lives in County Durham and Tees Valley.
Go to Real Stories to read about the types of projects we support in County Durham and Tees Valley.
