Our thanks to Samantha Loveday from ToyNews for sharing news of this brilliant fundraising event that took place on the Island last weekend. Ed
Last weekend’s Toy Trust Charity Big Challenge on the Isle of Wight is estimated to have raised £174,000, with the money being distributed to charities that help disabled and disadvantaged children.
Over 255 industry execs took part in the challenge which consisted of either a 130km bike ride, 20km walk, 20km run or a biathlon consisting of a 130km cycle ride and a 20km run.
The main beneficiary is the UK charity Whizz-Kidz, which will receive £90,000 providing mobility equipment that fits the needs of disabled children and transforms their lives. The remainder will help other smaller charities that support disabled and disadvantaged children.
Despite having to deal with thunderstorms and treacherous road conditions, the bike riders, biathletes, walkers and runners all triumphed – and then celebrated with a party to applaud the record-breaking fundraising result.
Toy Trust Big Challenge organiser, Nick Austin, said:
“Given the appalling weather conditions at the start, this year’s Big Challenge event was a real triumph of human spirit in the face of adversity. We raised an incredible amount of money for the Toy Trust ….and had great fun in the process.”
Toy Trust Chair, Foye Pascoe, added:
“The Toy Trust goes from strength to strength each year with more people and companies giving support and more money being raised. Our sponsors and those taking part last weekend should be immensely proud of the funding we provide every year to so many amazing children’s charities like Whizz-Kidz.”
The Toy Trust will shortly announce the details of the plans for 2015 fundraising events.
