We are thrilled that two Mersey Care colleagues are taking part in the Inflatable Obstacle Challenge on July 18 to raise funds for our mental health and community services. The event, at Clay House Farm in Knutsford, looks like the absolute most fun you could have on a run, with a 5K or 15K distance on offer, each offering a series of giant inflatable obstacles along the way.
And it's no great surprise that with a number of high-profile events already under their belts, our dynamic duo have signed up for the most challenging, 15K course!
Meet our challengers
Indeed, Jenny Young, a Mersey Care Administrator who works across Children's Community Nursing in Knowsley and Michael Allcock, Named Nurse for Liverpool Children in Care, are seasoned pros when it comes to fundraising events, previously taking on challenges between them including the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon as well as the Liverpool Cathedral Abseil for Mersey Cares.
"We have done lots of sporting events together the last few years including Manchester Marathon, Manchester Half Marathon, Chris Lam Trail Run and Liverpool Half Marathon," shared Jenny.
"I am beyond excited to be doing the inflatable challenge next Saturday; its right up my street!"
Michael, is also no stranger to fundraising for Mersey Cares having previously taken on the Liverpool Santa Dash, Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, Mersey Tunnel10k and the Manchester Marathon.
The team has made a fantastic start to their fundraising efforts. Jenny shared that she started a running group earlier this year, and many of its members have already kindly donated, with more support expected in the coming weeks (a huge thank you!).
Speaking about her motivation for taking part, she said:
"Michael has done so much in the past to support Children in Care services, and I hope that whatever I raise can make a difference somewhere along the way."
Ahead of the event, Michael shared:
"I am incredibly excited to be taking part in the Inflatable Obstacle Challenge. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to support a great cause, but it also allows us to raise the profile of Mersey Cares and highlight the important work the charity does.
We have our Mersey Care t-shirts ready, and we can't wait to wear them with pride on Saturday. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference and helps us continue supporting those who need it most. We are truly grateful for the generosity and encouragement we receive - thanks as always, for your support."
When we caught up with Jenny during the recent heatwave, with temperatures reaching 32°C, we asked her about how she was feeling about the distance and the added obstacles thrown in:
"I'll hopefully have lots of photos to share from along the way – that's if I actually survive the course!" she joked. "In this heat, I'm kind of wishing we'd opted for the 5K challenge instead of 15K, but in for a penny, in for a pound and all that jazz!"
Let's hope we see some cooler weather blowing in around the 18th of the month!
Your donations
Every donation helps us continue to fund projects that go beyond what NHS funding can provide. From enhancing patient experience and care to transforming environments for service users and our hardworking NHS staff, your support makes a real difference.
Our work supports people throughout their recovery journey, brings comfort to patients living with dementia and their families, and helps create positive experiences for children and young people accessing services. We also provide support for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities during incredibly challenging times.
We are seeking to raise at least £25,000 this year to support projects across Mersey Care - as part of our Mersey Care 25 celebrations. Your support in helping us get there is so appreciated and can do so much good.
Can you take on a fundraiser for Mersey Cares?
We have so many fun challenges just like this one and we'd love you to get involved! If you are passionate about supporting mental health and wellbeing and would like to make a huge difference to patients as well as service users throughout the community accessing Mersey Care services - we would love to hear from you. Our jam-packed fundraising programme has challenges for everyone from walks and running events to the more adventurous bungee jumps, skydives and abseils. We also have some fabulous challenges for teams including the newly-added Tough Mudder, Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and a running event at Alton Towers which includes access to rides once you're done! Take a look and help us make lasting difference across Cheshire and Merseyside.
