It might be wet and grey outside, but setting yourself a new challenge for 2023 could be just what you need to shake off the winter blues.
We've launched our 2023 events programme to boost your get up and go. Run, walk, trek or parachute - there’s something for everyone! This year is extra special for us too, as Julia’s House marks a 20 year milestone of providing a lifeline of care to local seriously ill children and their families.
Chantelle Shave, Julia’s House Events Fundraiser, said: “We’d love to get as many people as possible involved in our 2023 events. It is a very special year for us and of course we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the amazing support of the local community over the last 20 years.
“We know it is a challenging time for us all, but the families we support need our help more than ever, so the money raised from our events this year will be so important in helping us to continue to provide our life-changing care.”
There are a number of events to choose from, whether you want to take things at a slower pace or prefer to opt for a fast-moving challenge:
The Great Wiltshire Walk is back for 2023: Join the Great Wiltshire Walk, knowing every step you take will help give exhausted and anxious families a break from 24/7 care. You will take in the panoramic views of the Wiltshire countryside and walk amongst Avebury’s World Heritage Stone Circle. With new special 20 mile and 20k routes to mark the charity’s 20 year anniversary, the Great Wiltshire Walk takes place on Sunday 14 May.
The Big Jump: The views don’t get more panoramic than those from 13,000 feet up in the air. If a parachute jump is on your wish list, sign up for a tandem skydive and see the world as you’ve never seen it before. The jump takes place at the Army Parachute Association near Salisbury on 10 June. Booking deadline is 29 April.
Run Bournemouth: On 7-8 October, run for Julia’s House in Bournemouth’s landmark running festival. Choose from a half marathon, 10k or 5k and make it a family occasion as there are junior races for children aged 3-12. There’s something for everyone and you get to savour the great atmosphere and wonderful coastline views. The Julia’s House events team will provide one-to-one support with fundraising and a free running vest.
Run Bath Half: Join the Bath Half Marathon on 15 October and enjoy the support of thousands of spectators who line the route to cheer on the runners in a traffic-free Bath. Julia’s House has got 20 places up for grabs. It’s a great goal for training, whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your time.
Swap your sunbed for the Sahara…
From 2-7 November this year, you could join an epic trek in the Moroccan Sahara that gives you a glimpse of this extraordinary desert landscape and way of life. Trekking across ancient dried up river beds, sand dunes and vast sun-baked plains, you will camp out under the stunning star-filled night sky.
…or plan ahead for Petra
One of the seven new wonders of the world, the vast and unique city of Petra is carved into sheer rock face and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join the Julia’s House trek to this stunning and remote city in November 2024. It has been voted by National Geographic as one of the world’s best hikes and it is growing a reputation as the ‘Inca Trail of the Middle East’.
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Chantelle said: “All the money raised from the challenge events will help Julia’s House to continue its vital care for local families, from providing expert clinical and emotional support to helping vulnerable families access grants and benefits that can help them through the current cost of living crisis.
She added: “With more children living longer with increasingly complex medical conditions requiring round the clock care, the essential respite breaks Julia’s House gives to families couldn’t be more critical. The continued support of the local community is vital to our future.”
Julia’s House is the local children’s hospice dedicated to supporting the families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in the heart of the community. We have been providing our bespoke respite, medical and practical care since 2003, firstly in Dorset and then expanding to support children and families in Wiltshire from 2013.
Julia’s House is there for the whole family, not just the sick child. Parents can choose when, where and how they receive their care – at home, in the community or at one of our two hospices in Devizes and Corfe Mullen – making it a truly flexible service.
