Adrenaline junkies are wanted for a host of brand new daredevil challenges launched this year to raise money for Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The Chorley-based charity, which has to raise £6 million every year to continue its vital work caring for children with life-limiting illnesses, has come up with a raft of bucket list-worthy challenges for its 30th anniversary year.
Skydives have been a staple in the charity’s fundraising calendar, with almost 200 brave people jumping out of a plane to raise money since 2021.
But this year the charity is raising the stakes!
Thrill-seekers can now take a leap of faith in a bungee jump or face their fears and abseil over a 160ft drop in new ‘Dare for Derian’ challenge throughout July.
For those who would prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the charity’s seven-mile Morecambe Bay Walk, taking place on Saturday, 27 May, is the perfect spring challenge.
Last year saw 180 Derian House supporters take part in the trek from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands – raising a whopping £15,232 for the charity.
Dare for Derian and Morecambe Bay Walk are free to enter; all the charity asks is that supporters raise sponsorship for its 400 children and their families.
John Johnson, 65, of Bamber Bridge, dived out of a plane at 15,000ft to raise money for Derian House last year.
He said: “Derian House is an amazing charity that needs so much help and, although I’m not good with heights at all, I jumped out of a plane for them. I was nervous and anxious about the skydive, but when I got in the plane all that disappeared. If you’re thinking about doing something daring for Derian, just do it! It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Kerry Pritchard, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “This year we are upping the ante and challenging our supporters with not one, but three spine-tingling challenges! Whether it’s diving out of a plane, abseiling, or bungee jumping, the choice is yours. If that isn’t thrilling enough – you can take them all on!
“And if heights aren’t for you, the annual Morecambe Bay Walk is not only a great day out, but it raises vital funding for the 400 families that Derian House looks after.
“It will cost us £6 million to run services at Derian House in 2023. We rely on the generosity of our supporters for 70p in every £1, receiving just under 30% of our funding from the government.”
