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Our #TeamLWCA supporters raise funds, donate and volunteer their time to support Weekenders. We are so grateful for everything they do to help us raise vital funds and awareness.
Your support helps us continue enhancing the lives of children and teenagers with additional needs.
Read their stories below!
Alex's Story
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Alex Blythe, I’m 25 years old, live in Altrincham and currently work as the Marketing and Fundraising Officer for Henshaws, a Manchester and Yorkshire based charity that supports people with sight loss and other disabilities.
How did you first get involved with Weekenders?
My sister Geena has attended Weekenders in the past and really enjoyed her time there. My mum is also involved on the board of the charity and my sister has recently started working there on weekends.
Why did you choose to fundraise for Weekenders by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks in 2019?
I have seen the enjoyment my sister got out of attending Weekenders groups and wanted to do something to raise funds in order to allow more young people with disabilities the chance to experience the same. I was also keen to challenge myself with the Three Peaks. I have fundraised through 10k’s etc. before but wanted to do something different. I completed the Three Peaks when I was 15 years old and remember actually quite enjoying it; I may have been slightly fitter back then!
Describe how the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge went for you.
The first two peaks were actually pretty enjoyable, the weather was pretty clear and other than a bit of fatigue I felt pretty in pretty good spirits. Unfortunately, as we set off for the third peak the heavens opened and didn’t close until pretty much the time we were finishing. This, coupled with the long, dragging walk up the last peak made the final few hours of the walk a bit tough. By the time I had reached the summit of the third peak I was walking more like an 80 year old than a 26 year old! We did manage to make it down the other side though and the sense of achievement when we finished was amazing. Immediately after we all said that we would never do the Three Peaks again, but now looking back I might be tempted again; maybe I’ll wait another 10 years!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about fundraising for LWCA?
I would say go for it! Charities such as Weekenders who aren’t as well known as other, larger charities benefit hugely from any amount that is raised and it is great to feel that the amount you have raised is making a real difference.
Hannah's Story
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Hannah Tyrrell, I’m 23 and I live with my partner in Bedford. We moved in together about 2 and half years ago; prior to that I lived in Luton which was where I was born. I’m currently working as a nursery nurse I work with children age 2-3 years. I really enjoy working with children watching them to develop new skills and learn new things. In my spare time I love spending time with family and friends! I also love travelling.
How did you first get involved with Weekenders?
My cousin Geena used to attend Leeds weekends a few years ago. I heard about the charity through my Auntie (Caroline Bond, chair of Leeds Weekend Care Association) as she would tell me the different activities and experiences Geena would get from attending Leeds weekenders. By Geena attending Weekenders Club it would give the family some respite care, which was very important for them as Geena needs a lot of one to one care. Also my cousin (Rachel) is now volunteering for Weekenders and she has said how much she enjoys caring for the children and what great experiences she gets to share with the children.
Why did you choose to fundraise for Weekenders by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks in 2019?
Truthfully I have always wanted to raise money to help in some way for Geena and living quite far away from Geena I feel that I don’t get to spend as much time as I would like to with her. So when my Auntie Caroline spoke to me last Christmas about doing the Three Peaks and raising money for Weekenders, knowing that all the money we raise can help children with disabilities and their families, I thought it was an opportunity that I cannot refuse.
Describe how the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge went for you.
To be honest the Three Peaks was the hardest thing I have ever done!
I’m not the fittest person and maybe I could of done a little bit more training than I did, but I really did not realise what I had let myself in for! From getting up at 4.30 am to walking for 11 hours up and down hills I have never seen anything quite like before! For it to chuck it down with rain for about 8 out of the 11 hours, having a 20 minute break in the whole 11 hours to coming down on my bottom at one point because it was the only way down! The only motivation that kept me going the whole time was thinking about all the money that was raised and not letting anyone down, and thinking what that money is going to do and how much it’s going to help the children and families at Weekenders. It was such a great achievement once it was completed and I will always remember the day!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about fundraising for LWCA?
Anyone who is thinking about raising money for Weekenders I would say 100% do it! It’s a fantastic charity that provides great care and gives children amazing opportunities. As well as being so great for the children you have to also think about how important it is to give the families respite care.
Katie's Story
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a 27-year-old non-runner (subject to change!) from Leeds taking on the challenge of the London Marathon.
How did you first get involved with Weekenders?
My stepbrother Billy loves going to his weekend activities at Weekenders and the care provided is a welcome respite for his family, as well as providing him with much needed independence in a fun and social environment, suiting his cheeky personality!
Why did you choose to take on the London Marathon to support Weekenders?
Setting myself the challenge of running the London Marathon gave me a goal to aim for whilst raising money for a charity close to home. I moved to London three years ago and thought it would be a great opportunity. I have never run a marathon before, I haven’t even completed a half marathon! The furthest I have run previously is the Leeds 10k and a few cross country runs at school.
How are you feeling about training for and running the Marathon?
It’s a big challenge, however I’ve started my training early, so as long as I stick to my training plan and there are no major obstacles in the way (fingers crossed!) then all should be well. The southern winters are a little kinder than the northern ones I grew up with, so I have a good grounding to be well prepared to go out in the cold!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about fundraising for Weekenders?
Set yourself a challenge and go for it! I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for this worthy cause and it would be great if other people got involved too!
Rebecca's Story
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi I’m Rebecca and I’m 24 years old. I love to do crazy challenges while raising money for charity. During lockdown I was furloughed and wanted to do what I could to make a difference. I started teaching Zumba virtually to help keep people happy and fit. I then decided I needed a further challenge so I started to volunteer for LWCA.
How did you first get involved with Weekenders?
I was volunteering for Leeds city council helping to deliver food to vulnerable people and they advertised the role of a Virtual Fundraising Volunteer, so I applied and became a volunteer.
Why did you choose to fundraise for Weekenders through your 24 day challenge?
I had just started volunteering for LWCA and I was really excited about the work they do. I realised I hadn’t done one of my famous crazy challenges in ages, so spontaneously I created my 24 day challenge as it was 24 days until my 24th birthday and decided to do it to raise money for LWCA.
Describe how the 24 day challenge went for you.
It was amazing, but extremely challenging. I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone and challenged myself in so many ways. I kept a social media group to keep everyone up to date with my progress through my challenge and posted evidence videos and posts. The support I got from everyone and LWCA kept me going and made it all worth it. I loved it and I will definitely be fundraising for LWCA again.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about fundraising for LWCA?
If you are considering it… don’t overthink it. Just do it! Challenge yourself and push yourself, set yourself a target that you’d like to raise and the feeling of achievement and happiness you will feel afterwards will be the best feeling in the world.
The Brand Nursery's Story
Tell us a bit about The Brand Nursery!
The Brand Nursery was established in 2006 to help brands, businesses and organisations. We help brands through strategy, development, research and communications as well as design and artwork. With a wealth of experience within the brand communications sector, the TBN family has worked with a vast repertoire of clients from health foods and supermarkets, to luxury cars. Our clients have included Jet2.com, Lidl, Napolina, The Food Doctor, Very Lazy and Silver Cross.
What motivates you to support Weekenders?
We support Leeds Weekend Care Association for many reasons, but mainly because of its mission of being a local, independent charity which enhances the lives of children with disabilities, as well as their families, within the Leeds area. We have worked with Weekenders for several years and have really enjoyed working with the superb team on many different projects.
What has been your favourite project to work on for Weekenders?
We’ve really enjoyed working on all of our projects with Weekenders, but our favourite project would be the Reindeer Rally. We really enjoyed designing the characters, as well as the sponsorship pack and leaflets to match. We also loved creating the reindeer antlers for participants to decorate and wear while attending the event! It was a fantastic way to get into the festive spirit.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about supporting Weekenders?
Go and do it! Leeds Weekend Care Association is a fantastic charity committed to helping children through quality care and relies upon the generosity of individuals to continue their essential services. There are many ways to support Weekenders through volunteering, from fundraising awareness, marketing, supporting the Weekenders Club and becoming a trustee!