Over the last four years, thanks to external funding received from Children In Need and DCMS, Wigan Youth Zone have run a successful mentoring service which has achieved the following outcomes:

84 vulnerable young people have been referred onto the programme, which offers critical 1-2-1 support from a trusted adult one a week for six months.

100% of the young people have improved their confidence, social skills/relationships and emotional skills.

Additionally, there have been dramatic increases in young people feeling positive/confident about themselves, having hopes for the future, dealing well with problems and not giving up easily.

With the current funding coming to an end, and without a new long-term funding partner in place, the mentoring service is due to close in October - but with young people on the waiting list, Wigan Youth Zone is seeking to raise £10,000 to support these young people over the next six months.

That's why I've decided to take on the challenge of running 50km in 5 days (10km on five consecutive days - 2nd-6th Oct 2023), aiming to run each in less than an hour. Currently, I run about 20km a week (average time 56.30) and I have never run 10km on consecutive days - so wish me luck!

All funds will go directly to support young people in need of a positive role model in their lives, so please give generously.

Thank you very much.

Anthony