Urgent appeal for runners: can you please help?
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We’re calling for people to put their best foot forward to help us raise urgently needed funds. Can you please help?
Our charity supports thousands of individuals and families experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination, and we’re urging keen runners or people thinking of taking up running in 2026 to get in touch as we build Team Caritas – a group that we hope can help others with every step taken.
Our community and outreach services supporting people from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire have seen demand for help soar as families and individuals are driven closer to crisis point.
Patrick O’Dowd, our director, said: “The weather is cold and for many of us, we are relishing hibernation mode – sitting in our warm homes, reflecting on a Christmas that was full of good food and great company.
“But, tragically, for many, many people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, that’s not possible. There are more than 333,000 children in our area, for example, who are living in serious poverty right now.
“Thousands of people are homeless or at risk of becoming so and are forced to survive in the ice and snow on our streets.
“It’s 2026 yet there are people who, despite never having imagined they’d find themselves in such a situation, are struggling to give their children even one hot meal a day or clean clothes to wear for school.
“We’re seeing more and more people coming to our services for urgent assistance, both at a time of acute crisis, but for help transforming their lives for the long-term too.
“We want to – and need to – be there, alongside them every step of the way.
“That’s why we’re appealing for urgent help from anyone willing to consider taking on a sponsored run or walking challenge this year. There are lots to choose from, and if you’re up for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to really make a difference and assist others as they transform their lives we’d love you to get in touch.”
We’re running a special reduced registration rate of just £10 throughout January, when runners pledge to raise £200 in sponsorship. We also have places on offer for the 10km distance, and if running isn’t your thing, a range of other sponsored events and activities.
Patrick added: “From reading challenges, to bake-sales, gardening quests to knit-athons, there really is something for everyone in our 2026 Every Step appeal so please take a look, take a moment to consider what you might do to push yourself out of your comfort zone this year, and take an important step to help others.
“We’d be incredibly grateful and we see first hand the amazing difference fundraising of this kind makes to the lives of others. It could literally change the future of children and adults in Greater Manchester and Lancashire at a time they need it most. These aren’t statistics. They are real people who live in our communities and they deserve dignity, hope and love. Thank you in advance for any help you can give.”
To find out more about the range of Every Step challenges on offer for 2026 or to sign up to take part in one of the running events (or a unique challenge of your own choosing), click to visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/everystep, email fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2285.
THANK YOU!
