This summer, local bicycle enthusiasts in Cardiff are being encouraged to take part in the House-to-House Challenge, a new virtual fundraising event from Ronald McDonald House Charities UK (RMHC UK).
The charity offers free accommodation to families with children in hospital and is in need of vital funds after losing a huge amount of income through the COVID-19 crisis, and cancelling major fundraising events- its main source of revenue.
Held throughout August and September, the House-to-House Challenge invites participants to jump on an exercise bike at home, or take a bike out with family and friends in the great outdoors. On the challenge, the 1,000km distance between the charity’s Houses will be covered, and at each stop, participants will receive a special message of thanks from each House team. With a House next to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, which last year looked after over 600 families, RMHC UK hopes that local people will get behind this campaign and support this worthy cause.
Lily Smith, special events officer at RMHC UK said:
“We hope as many people as possible will get behind this great new campaign. We have been careful to take into account that the majority of us are working from home and daily exercise, whether it’s in the home or outside, is vital to our wellbeing. The House-to-House Challenge gives people the opportunity to ‘travel’ the distance between our Houses and at each milestone, receive a special message from the House teams.”
Sarah-Jayne Bevis, House Manager at RMHC Cardiff said:
“This challenge is a fantastic way to get involved and help our charity. We are still supporting families in our House, but we really need fundraising events like this to enable us to continue our work. We can’t wait for participants to watch our team video of thanks when they reach our House!”
Like many charities this year, RMHC UK has experienced unprecedented difficulties in continuing their mission to support families in their Houses. The charity’s Houses offer a safe and warm place to stay after a busy day on the hospital ward and their service is vital, now more than ever, with hospitals limiting the number of family members visiting their ill child at one time due to the coronavirus crisis. The charity relies on the generosity of supporters, and the House-to-House Challenge offers a fun and active way to help raise money and safeguard RMHC UK’s future, as well as staying healthy and fit.
Registrations for the House-to-House Challenge are now open. You can register as an individual or as part of a team so you can follow your progress and see how you’re doing against others. RMHC UK teamed up with My Virtual Mission so you can log your virtual activities and see where you are on our virtual map as you go!
What are you waiting for? On your bike! For more information and to sign up, visit: www.rmhc.org.uk/event/house-to-house-challenge/
