Three Peak District charities have received significant funding from a major charity event organized by Samworth Brothers, a leading UK food manufacturer. The 2026 Samworth Brothers Charity Challenge was held over two weekends, on May 9 and 16, 2026, in the scenic landscape of Castleton in the Peak District. This year marked the 10th edition of the event, a special milestone.
Record-Breaking Fundraising
More than £500,000 was raised in total, with £55,000 awarded directly to local charities that hosted the event. Edale Mountain Rescue and the Peak District National Park Foundation each received £25,000, while the Youth Hostel Association Castleton Losehill Hall was given £5,000 for its YHA Breaks Programme. Since its inception in 2007, the triathlon-style event (trekking, kayaking, and biking) has raised over £3.3 million.
Event Participation
One hundred and fifteen teams of three or four people from Samworth Brothers businesses, customers, and suppliers took part in one of two nine-hour challenges. Together with the organizing team, around 560 people stayed in the local area over the two weekends. Participants received thank-you bags containing local produce, including Bakewell tarts from Peveril Stores and Bakery in Castleton. A celebration evening featured a bar stocked by Buxton Brewery and food prepared by Samworth Brothers chefs.
Charities Benefiting
More than 90 charities will benefit from team fundraising, including national charities such as the British Heart Foundation, Mind, Samaritans, Cancer Research UK, Make a Wish Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Dementia UK, as well as local charities near Samworth Brothers businesses.
Quotes from Beneficiaries
Roisin Joyce, Director of the Peak District National Park Foundation, said: "We’re so grateful to have the support of Samworth Brothers and have benefited from this amazing challenge. Congratulations and well done to everyone involved — it's an ambitious and complex event but everything ran so smoothly. This incredible donation will make a massive difference to our work making the Peak District a thriving place for nature and people."
Robert Small, Fundraising Officer for Edale Mountain Rescue Team, added: "Thanks on behalf of the whole team for the massive cheque presented to us by Samworth Brothers from the Charity Challenge. This will cover a significant proportion of our annual running costs. Everyone involved remarked on the massive effort involved and how kind and approachable everyone was."
CEO Statement
Simon Wookey, CEO of Samworth Brothers, said: "We are proud to have passed this milestone, raising more than £3.3 million since the Charity Challenge began, including over half a million pounds this year alone. The Samworth family has long been committed to being a force for good, supporting local communities. What makes the Charity Challenge special is that it brings together colleagues, customers, and suppliers in a unique team event that promotes health, wellbeing, and teamwork."
