A dedicated team from a West Yorkshire manufacturing firm is embarking on a gruelling 100-kilometre trek to raise funds for a charity that supports disabled and neurodivergent children. Employees from Safespaces, based in Todmorden, will walk continuously through day and night to reach the charity's headquarters in Staffordshire. The ambitious challenge aims to gather £10,000 to help provide specialist equipment, therapies, and assessments for families in need.
Walking Through the Night to Highlight Sleepless Reality
Participants chose to walk through the night to shine a light on the sleepless reality faced by many parents caring for children with complex needs. The round-the-clock trek symbolises the relentless dedication of carers who rarely get a break.
Alastair Demick, managing director at Safespaces, said: “At Safespaces, we work with families every day who face challenges that many people never see. We wanted this challenge to represent more than simply walking 100 kilometres. By walking through the night, we're recognising the dedication of parents and carers who rarely get the opportunity to rest because they're caring for their children around the clock.”
Building on Previous Fundraising Success
The company has already raised more than £5,000 through previous events, including skydives and half marathons. The new 100km walk aims to double that amount. Every penny will go to Caudwell Children, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled and neurodivergent children and their families.
Demick added: “Every mile we complete is for the families who face these challenges every day. We're incredibly proud to support Caudwell Children and hope our fundraising will help more children access the specialist equipment, therapies and services they need to reach their potential.”
The Challenge Details
The trek will start in Todmorden and cover 100 kilometres across varied terrain, concluding at the Caudwell Children headquarters in Staffordshire. The team will walk non-stop, taking only short rests, to complete the distance within approximately 30 hours. They have been training for months to prepare for the physical and mental demands of the challenge.
Safespaces is a manufacturer of specialist sensory equipment and environments, often used by children with additional needs. This connection makes the cause particularly close to the company’s heart.
How to Support
Donations can be made online via the team's JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/safespaceswalk. Businesses interested in corporate sponsorship are encouraged to email alastair.d@safespaces.co.uk. The team hopes to exceed their £10,000 target and inspire other local companies to get involved in charitable fundraising.
