I am always amazed by our fundraisers and supporters - old and new, individual or corporate - their enthusiasm and passion is such an inspiration to me and my team. It helps us to stay motivated year after year as Kids Inspire grows and as we face new and bigger challenges.

Together, in June this year we embraced and enjoyed yet another epic cycling challenge, this time from London to Paris. Thank you to all the cyclists, to all the people that provided training rides and to those who donated in support of them! You’re all part of the bigger picture and we couldn’t have had such a successful event without you.

Social events

Our future calendar is packed with social events, our May Ball and Christmas Shopping being just two of the highlights coming up in 2023. Watch this space as we get even more dates booked in!

This past year we have also been hugely grateful to third-party events and fundraisers. We were delighted to be the beneficiary of an event hosted by our new corporate supporter Laser Electrical, who planned and organised a fundraiser at Chelmsford City Racecourse in aid of our work. It was a big success with a sit-down meal, an auction, a raffle, and not forgetting the all-important races! We are thrilled to be the 2023 charity for this event again, thank you!

In September, long-term supporter, DG International hosted a successful Golf Day and the Centurian Club raising record funds and inviting teams from nationwide organisations including Yodel and Royal Mail. Their silent auction and "beat the pro" competition were highlights of the day without a doubt!

Incredible achievements

Just this week we have proudly announced the winners of the Kids Inspire Awards 2022 and I am pleased to recap on some of the incredible achievements of our supporters:

• Team of the Year went to our dedicated London to Paris cyclists who cycled 200 miles each and raised over £50,000 between them!

• Fundraiser of the Year went to Simon Barr from White Trees Group who raised £14,140 during an epic 17-hours triathlon Iron Man challenge including:

  • 2.5-mile swim  in open water

  • 112-mile bike ride  (the equivalent of London to Bath)

  • 26-mile marathon  (the equivalent of Cambridge to Stansted)

• Volunteer Team of the year went to Allsorts retail team led by Pamela Rew 

• Corporate of the year went to Baker Labels who continue to be fantastic supports by attending events and fundraising.

It is always worth noting how important all the commissioning and grants that we receive are to our services. One new grant that we received this year is from Impetus - and we are excited about what the future holds as one of their charity partners.

Wrapping up my celebration of 2022, can I make one final ask… Check out what’s coming up in 2023, courtesy of our events team!

• Take on a sporting challenge (virtual or in-person! Near or far!)

• Save the date for our May Ball

• Cycle in our Great Baddow Ride in Sept 2023!

2023 is the year to challenge yourself and in turn empower positive youth mental health We would love to welcome you onboard and who knows it could be you that receives one of our annual achievement accolades next year!

Please get in touch or click here to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Finally, thank you all for your support this year. It is so important to all that we do.”

-Paula Ashfield, Head of Fundraising and Communications