Creative Ideas for Charity Challenges in the UK

1. Take on a marathon

Challenging yourself to take on a marathon is a fantastic way to raise money. 

It can make a big difference if you have something to work toward and you can fundraise throughout the year while you train. 

Running a marathon is no easy feat, but you can take part in a group with friends or with a running group for support. 

In doing so, there’s so many fantastic causes you can raise funds for. 

There’s many to choose from, but some of the most high profile ones are below: 

• London Marathon – April 
• Manchester Marathon – April
• Edinburgh Marathon – May 
• Paris Marathon – April
• New York Marathon – November

2. Hike the National Three Peaks

Hiking the National Three Peaks in Britain is also a hugely popular way of raising money. 

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, often within 24 hours.

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) – twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, over a similar total walking distance. The total driving distance is 462 miles.

You can take part in the Challenge in two ways — as a self-organised group, or a professionally organised event.

It is mandatory you have some proper kit when taking part, like proper walking shoes. It is also advised that only people over the age of 14 take part.

 4. Cycle from London to Brighton

Cycling from London to Brighton is another great challenge to get involved in and is a fantastic way of seeing the country. 

The 55-mile long iconic cycle ride takes you through  Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath before you reach the coast. 

There is an official event you can take part in, with next year’s official event taking place in September. 

However, you can just complete the challenge separately on your own if you’d rather do it your own way. 

An example of how you can fundraise can be found here, but it’s up to you what you raise money for. 

 4. Race for Life

Race for Life is a very popular event in the UK organised by Cancer Research UK. 

It is a series of fundraising events, including running, jogging or walking a 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre or ‘Pretty Muddy’ course. 

Participants are often urged to wear pink and say who they’re running for, or in memory of. 

There’s different events across the country for different abilities. A 3k run is also one of the ways you can take part. 

5. Swim pier to pier

If you don’t fancy running, cycling or hiking there’s also various swimming challenges you can take part in. 

Across the UK there’s charity challenges that involve swimming from pier to pier.

It’s a great way to fundraise and gives you the chance to see some of the country’s coastlines. 

Some of the most popular swimming challenges are: 

• Brighton – September
• Bournemouth – July
• Blackpool – September
• Herne Bay – August
• Isle of Wight – August

6. Take a winter walk

Winter walks are also a great way to get involved in charity fundraising during the colder months. 

Away from the summer challenges, winter walks offer a fun way of raising money with friends and family. 

You can take part in a group or on your own. Events take place across the country, including Cancer Research’s Winter Walk. 

Cricket-loving friends Craig Barker and David Fairbanks set about raising money for NHS Charities Together after all the pandemic put an end to their fun. 

They challenged cricketers from clubs across the country to grow a tash, groom it to the style of their favourite cricketer on the eve of what would have been their first game of the season, and donate to their GoFundMe page. The #SmashTheTash challenge has so far raised over £24,000 from cricketers and their supporters.

Walk a mile in her (high!) shoes

In memory of their much-loved friend, Katya, a group of her girlfriends have pledged to walk 18km in high heels to celebrate what would have been her 18th birthday. To date, they have raised more than £15,000 for mental health and suicide prevention charity, The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. Sound fun, if painful? Launch your own hiking challenge – with or without the heels – and start racking up donations for a charity close to your heart today.

Cycling the length of Britain – in your garden

The bike route from Lands End to John O’Groats is a hugely popular one with fundraisers looking for a tough fitness challenge. Dave Young is cycling the 2,800km round trip on rollers in his back garden to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, after a friend who died from a brain tumour spent his last days in their Solihull hospice. So far, over 200 donors have raised nearly £6,000 and counting.