This October, Michael is taking on the Oxford Half Marathon, running 13.1 miles to raise funds for Edge Housing, a charity that transforms the lives of people experiencing homelessness or vulnerable housing situations in Oxfordshire. Growing up in Bicester and now working with the Kier Construction team on the HMP Bullingdon project, Michael feels a strong connection to the local community and the challenges many face in securing safe housing.

Michael’s motivation comes from seeing how homelessness affects individuals and families, and he wants to make a tangible difference. “I’ve been inspired by the incredible work Edge Housing does,” he says. “I know it’s going to be tough to run 13 miles, but if I can help even one person have a safer home and a brighter future, it’s worth every step.”

What Edge Housing Does

Edge Housing provides more than just accommodation. Their holistic, trauma-informed approach recognises that homelessness often comes with complex personal, social, and psychological challenges.

• Safe and supported accommodation: Edge Housing offers properties and supported housing placements where individuals can feel secure.
• Personalised support: Residents receive tailored guidance to address their specific needs, from counselling and mental health support to help navigating benefits or social services.
• Skills and development opportunities: Programmes help residents gain skills, training, and employment opportunities, paving the way for long-term independence.
• Community and advocacy: Edge Housing raises awareness about homelessness, advocates for policy change, and builds partnerships to help residents thrive.

By combining practical support with personal empowerment, Edge Housing helps individuals rebuild their lives with confidence, dignity, and independence.

Michael’s fundraising challenge

Michael has set a fundraising goal of £1,000 to contribute to Edge Housing’s work. Every pound raised will help the charity continue providing accommodation, support, and development opportunities to vulnerable people.

His training is underway, and he’s committed to completing the full 13.1 miles of the Oxford Half Marathon. For Michael, the effort is personal: “I hope my run will show people that even small actions can make a big difference in someone’s life,” he says.

Why your support matters

Homelessness can affect anyone, at any stage of life, and its causes are often complex. Charities like Edge Housing fill a vital gap, providing more than temporary shelter—they help people rebuild their lives. By supporting Michael’s challenge, you’re helping fund accommodation, vital support services, and programmes that give residents the tools and confidence they need to thrive independently.

Visit his fundraising page to contribute today.

On November 8th, Maggie is taking on a 10km swim to raise funds for Eat or Heat, a charity dedicated to supporting families who face the impossible choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Having previously completed a 4km swim, Maggie is now pushing herself to complete the full marathon distance—an inspiring feat that will take around four hours in the pool.

Eat or Heat, based in Walthamstow, has been helping the local community for nearly 14 years. They provide practical support such as food parcels, energy vouchers, and guidance to families struggling with rising living costs. Beyond immediate assistance, the charity works to raise awareness of fuel poverty and advocate for long-term solutions to help families live with dignity.

Maggie has set herself a fundraising target of £300, and all donations will go directly to the charity to help them continue their vital work. Every contribution helps ensure that no family has to choose between keeping warm and eating.

To support Maggie’s challenge and make a tangible difference for families in need, visit her fundraising page. Her dedication shows how one person’s determination can make a real impact on their community.

Eleven-year-old Max from Storrington is gearing up for a 13-mile walk/run to raise funds for Herons Dale Primary School in Shoreham-by-Sea. On Sunday, 19th October, Max will be making the journey from his home to his brother Zak’s school—a challenge he’s taking on with determination and a big heart.

Herons Dale is a special needs school supporting 145 pupils with a wide range of additional needs. The school provides tailored learning, therapies, and equipment to help children develop skills, gain confidence, and thrive. While core funding covers basic operations, extra support from fundraising allows the school to purchase sensory equipment, fund therapy sessions, and organise activities that make a real difference in children’s lives.

Max has set himself a £500 fundraising goal and has already raised over £200. He’s inviting friends, family, and the local community to back his challenge—whether by donating, cheering him on along the route, or joining him at the finish line. Every pound raised will go directly to The Friends of Herons Dale Primary School, a registered charity dedicated to enhancing the school’s resources and opportunities for pupils.

Max’s determination is inspiring—and his 13-mile challenge shows that even the youngest in our communities can make a big difference.

Support Max on his fundraising journey here.

Niemann-Pick UK (NPUK) is the only UK charity wholly dedicated to supporting families affected by Niemann-Pick diseases. These are rare, progressive genetic conditions (such as ASMD types A/B and NPC) with no known cure, and the impact touches every part of life.

What Niemann-Pick UK Does

• Care, support and advice
  From diagnosis onwards, NPUK offers emotional and practical help — for newly diagnosed patients, their families, carers and professionals.
• Information and awareness
  They publish guides, raise understanding of symptoms, and promote better knowledge in medical, social, and educational settings.
• Advocacy and research facilitation
  They encourage, fund, and partner in research into treatments and therapies. NPUK also campaigns to improve recognition, access to care, and support for people living with Niemann-Pick.
• Reducing isolation and building community
  Through events, conferences, publications, and peer connection, NPUK gives those affected a voice and a sense of community.

Why NPUK’s work matters

Because Niemann-Pick diseases are ultra-rare, many families feel alone, face diagnostic delays, or struggle to access specialist care. NPUK bridges those gaps. They support people whose journeys are often misunderstood and under-resourced, helping them access services, stay informed, and feel less isolated.

In recent times, NPUK has faced additional challenges: a malicious fire in September 2025 destroyed their central office, threatening their ability to deliver services.

If you’d like to support their work, here’s how:

• Donate, to help maintain essential services and rebuild infrastructure
• Fundraise — host a challenge, event, or campaign in support
• Raise awareness — share credible information about Niemann-Pick diseases
• Volunteer or contribute skills, especially in communications, advocacy, or community building

To learn more or get involved, visit NPUK’s website or see their profile on Wonderful.

Aid International Development is a grant-making, fundraising trust that exists to support other charities and local organisations around the world. Since its foundation in November 2000, AID has helped mobilise people and resources so that good work already being done can go further.

What They Do

• Organising fundraising events: AID runs treks, bike rides, marathons and other sponsored events globally. Participants raise money for charities of their choice through these challenges.
• Build / mission teams: Each year, AID sends small teams to work on the ground in places like India, Guatemala, Zambia, and Mozambique. They partner with local charities to help with construction, community support, or other projects.
• Grant-making & poor fund: After events, a portion of what is raised goes directly to the nominated charities, while another part goes into a “poor fund” which AID uses to finance various projects in regions with high need.

Where and who they help

AID works primarily through partners in countries including Zambia, India, Guatemala, Mozambique and the Philippines, as well as occasionally in Romania, Uganda and other locations.

They aim to relieve poverty and support vulnerable communities, often helping children, families, or local charities with limited resources.

Why Aid International Development matters

• Stretching every donation: By not running its own large projects, AID avoids duplicating infrastructures; instead, it supports local charities already doing good, giving them extra capacity and funding.
• Local knowledge and partnership: Because their Build Teams work with local organisations, the aid is more likely to meet real need, rather than what outsiders assume.
• Flexible and responsive: The “poor fund” means AID has some discretionary money to help where urgent or unexpected need arises, beyond what participants nominate.

If you want to make a difference, here’s how to help:

• Take part or create a fundraising event — sign up for one of their treks, marathons, or organise something local.
• Donate or nominate a charity when you join an event, so your effort supports causes you care about.
• Spread the word — helping more people to know about AID means more funds for deserving projects.

To find out more or get involved, visit aidinternational.org.uk or check out their Wonderful profile.

Long Covid isn’t just a lingering illness — for many, it’s a life turned upside down. Long Covid Support was founded and is run by people living with Long Covid and their carers. Their mission is to offer peer-led support, amplify lived experience, and drive meaningful change.

What they do

• Peer support & community connection: via online groups, webinars, and forums, people with Long Covid can connect, share insights, and support each other.
• Advocacy & policy change: as Secretariat to the APPG on Long Covid and involvement in UK health policy, they press for recognition, services, and rights.
• Research & lived experience leadership: they ensure those with Long Covid are partners in research — not just participants.
• Information & signposting: creating up-to-date resources to help people, carers, and professionals better understand and manage Long Covid.

Why support matters

Despite affecting hundreds of thousands, Long Covid is still poorly understood. Many people struggle to access specialist care, employment protections, or recognition in disability systems. Long Covid Support bridges the gap — but its work is only sustainable with backing.

If you’d like to help make a difference, you can donate, fundraise, raise awareness, or use your skills (e.g. communications, policy, research). Every contribution helps those whose lives are changed by this condition.

Visit longcovid.org or their Wonderful profile to get involved.

In a remarkable display of endurance and empathy, Michael is lacing up his running shoes to tackle three marathons across three countries in 2025, all to support Create Hope—a Bracknell-based charity dedicated to providing creative therapeutic services to children, young people, and families.

Michael's ambitious journey began on May 11th with the Exeter Marathon, where he crossed the finish line in 4 hours, 31 minutes, and 4 seconds. Despite rain during the second half, the cooler conditions proved favorable for the run. His next challenges await in Zagreb on October 12th and Florence on November 30th.

The inspiration behind this endeavour is deeply personal. Michael's wife, Julie, works with Create Hope, giving him firsthand insight into the transformative impact of their work. Each marathon represents a commitment to fund 26.2 therapy sessions—the distance of a marathon—with each session costing £45. His goal is to raise £1,179, and he's already achieved over 80% of this target.

Create Hope offers vital emotional support through services like play therapy, family counselling, and emotional education programs. Operating across Berkshire and Wiltshire, the charity focuses on building self-esteem, resilience, and stronger family relationships, especially for those facing emotional challenges.

Every donation contributes directly to providing these essential services to families in need. To support Michael's journey and help Create Hope continue their invaluable work, visit his fundraising page:

👉 Michael's Three Marathons for Create Hope

In an inspiring demonstration of commitment and resilience, a dedicated team of Leaving Care Personal Advisors and managers from Leicestershire is set to undertake the formidable National Three Peaks Challenge. Their mission: to raise £5,000 in support of care leavers aged 18–25 across the county.

Climbing for a Cause

Scheduled for May 30th and 31st, the challenge involves summiting the highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike), and Wales (Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa) within a 24-hour period. This gruelling endeavour symbolises the uphill journey many care leavers face as they transition into adulthood.A Team United by Purpose

The team comprises individuals each bringing unique strengths to the expedition:

• Liam, the determined leader and navigator.
• Dani, a quiet yet resolute manager.
• Jit, representing the over-50s and serving as the media consultant.
• Nutan, the mindfulness coach and pace setter.
• Whitney, known for her infectious laughter and organisational prowess.
• Harriet, the voice of reason and fashion advisor.
• David, who, after battling serious health issues last year, is now embracing this challenge as a testament to recovery and determination.

Supporting Care Leavers

All funds raised will directly benefit care leavers, providing essential resources and opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. These young individuals, having been under local authority care, often face unique challenges as they step into independence. The support from this fundraiser aims to ease that transition.

How You Can Help

To support this commendable initiative and make a tangible difference in the lives of care leavers, visit their fundraising page:

👉 3 Peaks Challenge in 24 hours

In the face of adversity, some individuals choose to rise, not just for themselves but for others. Stu and Barnsey exemplify this spirit as they prepare for a formidable challenge: summiting Denali, North America's highest peak, to raise funds for the Adaptive Grand Slam (AGS) Foundation.

A Mission Rooted in Resilience

The AGS Foundation, established by injured veterans, empowers members of the disabled community through participation in expeditions and physical challenges. After sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan, Martin Hewitt founded AGS to inspire and support fellow veterans and disabled individuals. Stu and Barnsey have previously collaborated with AGS, notably enduring the gruelling Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert. Now, they set their sights on Denali, confronting extreme cold and treacherous terrain to further the Foundation's mission.

The Denali Challenge

Standing at 6,200 meters, Denali presents a severe test of endurance and determination. The expedition demands climbers to carry all their gear, navigate crevasses, and withstand temperatures plummeting below minus 40 degrees Celsius. During a previous attempt in 2024, the team faced frostbite injuries, forcing a retreat. Undeterred, they return with renewed resolve, joined by Martin, fellow veteran and double leg amputee Steve, Rochelle, and Woody, aiming to reach the summit together.

Supporting the AGS Foundation

All donations from this expedition go directly to the AGS Foundation, ensuring that funds support their programs without covering expedition costs. Contributions aid in providing opportunities for disabled individuals to engage in transformative challenges, fostering confidence and community.

How You Can Help

To support Stu and Barnsey's Denali 2025 Expedition and contribute to the AGS Foundation's impactful work, visit their fundraising page:

👉 Denali 2025 Expedition Fundraiser

Your support can help more veterans and disabled individuals achieve the extraordinary.

Dementia can be an isolating and overwhelming experience—not just for those diagnosed, but also for their families and carers. On the Isle of Wight, Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight (ACIW) offers a compassionate and community-driven response, providing a welcoming space where no one has to face dementia alone.

A Safe Haven for Connection and Understanding

Since its inception in 2009, ACIW has been dedicated to supporting individuals affected by dementia. Their cafés, located across the island in towns such as Newport, Sandown, East Cowes, Totland, Cowes, Ryde, and more, serve as informal gatherings where attendees can relax, share experiences, and access valuable information. Each session features guest speakers discussing various dementia-related topics, fostering education and open dialogue.

Parklands: A Hub of Comprehensive Support

In April 2024, ACIW expanded its services with the opening of the Parklands Dementia Resource Centre in Cowes. This facility operates five days a week, offering a range of amenities including a community café, hairdressing services, and a Wellbeing Club. Parklands embodies ACIW's vision of creating a space where individuals can find respite, engage in activities, and feel a sense of belonging.

Striving for Daily Accessibility

ACIW is proud to be working towards establishing the UK's first Alzheimer Café open every day. Currently supporting over 200 individuals monthly, the charity aims to provide continuous access to support, ensuring that anyone affected by dementia can find assistance and companionship whenever needed. This initiative includes daily programs featuring gardening, art, music, and other therapeutic activities.

How You Can Support ACIW

The continued success and expansion of ACIW's services depend on community support. Donations contribute directly to maintaining and enhancing programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every contribution helps ACIW move closer to its goal of daily accessibility.

To learn more or get involved, visit alzheimercafeiow.org.uk or their Wonderful.org page.

In Blackpool and the surrounding areas of Wyre and Fylde, accessing affordable mental health support can be a significant challenge. Recognising this gap, Counselling In The Community (CITC) has emerged as a vital resource, offering low-cost, donation-based counselling services to individuals of all ages.

A Community-Driven Approach to Mental Health

Founded to address the scarcity of accessible mental health services, CITC operates on a self-referral basis, ensuring that anyone seeking help can access support without lengthy waiting periods or prohibitive costs. With counselling sessions starting from as little as £5, the charity provides a lifeline to those who might otherwise go without assistance.

Comprehensive Support for All Ages

CITC offers counselling services to adults, children, and young people, with specialised facilities to cater to diverse needs. Their dedicated Children and Young Persons Centre in Bispham features a sensory room, providing a supportive environment for younger clients. Additional counselling hubs are located in South Shore, Cleveleys, and within Fleetwood Hospital, ensuring broader community reach.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Services

In areas where mainstream services are often overstretched, CITC plays a crucial role in alleviating the burden on the NHS. Estimates suggest that the therapy provided by CITC would cost the NHS approximately £3,750 weekly if delivered through traditional channels. Despite this significant contribution, the charity operates without direct NHS funding, relying instead on donations and volunteer support.

Empowering Through Volunteering

The strength of CITC lies in its dedicated team of volunteers. With 82 volunteers and four trustees, the charity fosters a community-centric approach to mental health care. This model not only ensures the sustainability of services but also empowers individuals within the community to contribute to collective well-being.

How You Can Support CITC

As a small charity making a substantial impact, CITC welcomes support from individuals and organisations alike. Donations help maintain and expand their services, ensuring that more people can access the mental health support they need. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every contribution makes a difference.

To learn more or get involved, visit counsellinginthecommunity.com or their Wonderful.org page.

Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) is an ultra-rare genetic condition, affecting approximately 1 in 225,000 to 300,000 individuals. Characterised by developmental delays, breathing anomalies, and other complex medical challenges, PTHS remains largely unfamiliar to many, including healthcare professionals. In the UK, Pitt Hopkins UK stands as a beacon of support and advocacy for those impacted by this condition.

A Community Built on Connection

Established as a registered charity in May 2016, Pitt Hopkins UK has its roots in a grassroots movement of parents seeking connection and information. Through online platforms like international Google support groups and social media, families began to find one another, sharing experiences and resources. From just 33 known cases in 2013, the charity has expanded its reach, now in contact with over 120 families across the UK and Ireland.

Empowering Families Through Information

One of the charity's core missions is to disseminate accurate and up-to-date information about PTHS. Their comprehensive website offers insights into the syndrome's symptoms, genetic factors, and diagnostic criteria. Additionally, they provide guidelines for managing associated medical concerns, such as breathing irregularities and autonomic dysfunction. By equipping families and healthcare providers with knowledge, Pitt Hopkins UK aims to facilitate earlier diagnoses and better care strategies.

Advocacy and Awareness

Beyond individual support, Pitt Hopkins UK is dedicated to raising public and professional awareness of PTHS. They organise events like Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome Awareness Day and produce informational films to educate broader audiences. Their efforts strive to ensure that PTHS is recognized and understood, paving the way for improved medical responses and societal support.

Looking Ahead: Research and Hope

While current efforts focus on support and awareness, Pitt Hopkins UK harbours aspirations to fund research into PTHS, particularly concerning the syndrome's impact on the autonomic nervous system and respiratory function. Such research holds the promise of unveiling new treatment avenues and enhancing quality of life for those affected.

How You Can Help

As a small charity, Pitt Hopkins UK relies heavily on donations and volunteer support. Contributions directly aid in maintaining their informational resources, organizing awareness events, and expanding their outreach to undiagnosed families. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading the word, every effort counts in their mission to support the PTHS community.

To learn more or get involved, visit pitthopkins.org.uk. If you'd like to support Pitt Hopkins UK by either making a donation or fundraising for them, visit their page on Wonderful.

In a remarkable display of dedication and courage, Anna, the Activity Leader for HopScotch Children's Charity, has embarked on a chilling challenge: completing 25 cold water dips between December 2024 and March 2025. Her goal is to raise funds to support HopScotch's mission of providing free respite breaks for vulnerable children in Scotland.

The Challenge

Typically, Anna enjoys sea swims with visiting groups during HopScotch's summer programmes. However, this winter, she's pushing her limits by braving the icy waters of seas, rivers, and lochs during the coldest months. Her motivation stems from a desire to support the charity's work, which offers therapeutic stays at Ardvullin, their respite centre in Ardgour, fostering well-being and independence among children aged 7-12.

Progress and Community Support

Anna's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. As of March 1, 2025, she has completed 16 out of her 25 planned dips. Despite facing challenges like cold-related illnesses, she remains undeterred, sharing updates and photos of each plunge. The community has rallied behind her, with supporters joining her for dips and contributing to her fundraising efforts.

How to Support

Anna's commitment exemplifies the spirit of HopScotch Children's Charity, which, since 1998, has provided over 420 children annually with breaks from daily challenges, positively impacting their physical and emotional health. To support Anna's endeavour and contribute to this cause, visit her Wonderful.org fundraising page.

Anna's icy adventure is a testament to her dedication and the power of community support. By backing her challenge, donors play a crucial role in creating lasting, positive memories for vulnerable children across Scotland.

In the world of classic car enthusiasts, few events are as storied as Club Triumph's Round Britain Reliability Run. Since its inception in 1966, this biennial event has seen participants traverse nearly 2,000 miles across the UK in vintage Triumph vehicles, all in the name of charity. To date, the run has raised almost £900,000 for various causes.

This year, the event holds profound significance for TeamVAM—Very Amateur Motorsport. The team comprises John Welsh, renowned classic Triumph hill climb and sprint racer Hamish Roscoe, and Shaun Roche. Their mission: to honor Shaun's mother, Jean Roche Sandbach, who passed away on January 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

The Journey Ahead

On October 3, 2025, TeamVAM will embark on a gruelling journey, driving a 42-year-old 1983 Triumph Acclaim. The route begins at Knebworth House, stretches northward to John O'Groats, then southward to Land's End, before returning to Knebworth—a testament to both the team's endurance and the vehicle's reliability.

Supporting Parkinson's UK

This year's run supports Parkinson's UK, a charity dedicated to improving life for those affected by Parkinson's disease. The organisation offers life-changing support services, funds groundbreaking research, and campaigns for better health and care. By participating in the run, TeamVAM aims to raise £1,500 to contribute to these vital efforts.

How You Can Help

As of now, TeamVAM has raised £640, with an additional £160 in Gift Aid, almost halfway to their goal. Every donation, regardless of size, brings them closer to their target and supports Parkinson's UK's mission.

To support TeamVAM's fundraising efforts, visit their Wonderful.org page.

A Tribute on Wheels

Join TeamVAM in their mission to support Parkinson's UK and honor Jean Roche Sandbach by contributing to their cause. Together, we can drive change and bring hope to countless lives.

In the heart of East Sussex, Hetty is lacing up her running shoes with a mission that stretches far beyond the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon. On April 13, 2025, Hetty will join thousands of runners, but her stride carries a purpose: to support girls' education in rural Zimbabwe through the Friends of St James Mission & School and Children First International.

Championing Girls' Education

In Zimbabwe, secondary education often comes with prohibitive fees, leading to a significant drop in school attendance among girls. Only 30% of girls in the country receive a secondary education, a statistic that underscores the urgency of this mission. The organisation provides bursaries to local girls, offering them the opportunity to continue their education and empowering them to break the cycle of poverty.

Hetty's Commitment

Hetty's passion for this cause is palpable. She recognises the transformative power of education and is determined to make a difference. "The money I raise through running the London Marathon will support bursaries for local girls to receive an education that will fundamentally change the course of their lives," she shares. Her goal is to raise £2,000.

A Community Effort

Hetty's endeavour is a testament to the power of community and the profound change that can arise when individuals rally behind a cause. By supporting her marathon journey, donors are not just contributing to a run but are investing in the futures of young girls, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive.

As the marathon day approaches, the anticipation builds—not just for the race but for the ripple effect of generosity and hope that Hetty's steps will inspire.

To learn more about Hetty's fundraising efforts or to make a donation, visit her Wonderful.org fundraising page.