WARRINGTON Youth Club fundraisers kept busy over the Bank Holiday Weekend taking on a range of fundraising challenges as part of the national Captain Tom 100 Challenge, celebrating his life, achievements, and legacy.
Inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, supporters chose their own challenge with the theme of ‘100’ which included baking 100 cakes, collecting 100 pieces of litter, and doing 100 hula-hoops and in total raised over £1,000 for the Club’s Buddy Up befriending programme which supports young people aged 7 to 18 with additional needs to reduce their self-isolation, boost their friendships, and learn new skills.
Club members Finton and Willow Patterson (aged 12 and 10) and pictured above, took part by clearing litter from the River Mersey and between them raised £570!
Finton said “It was great to clean up our local area near the river Mersey during the Captain Tom weekend. There was lots of bottles and rubbish but it feels nicer now that it has been cleared up a bit. I hope that it stays that way for us and other people to enjoy this summer. I feel like our fundraising has been a great achievement – lots of our friends and family donated and we beat our target of raising £500! I’m proud to have helped the Buddy Up project at WYC because they help children with disabilities who might not get the same chances as other children.”
Each young person referred to the Buddy Up programme is supported by a volunteer ‘Buddy’ within a social setting, allowing the young person to interact with their peers, and gain greater social and independence skills. As well as the 1:1 support, young people also take part in family film nights, group trips and activities, and gym sessions.
Dave McNicholl, Chief Executive of Warrington Youth Club said “We are very grateful for everyone who took part in and donated to our Captain Tom 100 Challenge. We were proud to be involved in this national fundraising campaign to honour the life of Captain Sir Tom Moore and are delighted to have raised funds for our Buddy Up programme for young people with additional needs.”
