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From abseils to scootathlons: Fundraisers take on unique autumn challenges

26 November 2024

Fundraisers across the country have been rallying around Action Tutoring this autumn organising extraordinary events. They have been able to raise significant funds and spread awareness about education inequality.

Keep reading to discover the incredible challenges they’ve taken on to support our pupils!

Scooting to success at an autumn fundraiser

Kicking off autumn’s fundraising, Susannah, Action Tutoring’s Founder and CEO’s son, Josh, took on a Scootathlon challenge. Consisting of a scoot, cycle, and run, at Impetus’ annual Triathlon event, Josh came in first, winning the whole race!

Josh raised an incredible £415 (£517.50 with Gift Aid!), which could provide online training for 166 of our volunteer tutors.

Reaching new heights

A picture of Action Tutoring's autumn fundraiser - Senior Data and Evaluation Officer, Sam, posing for a picture while on the abseil platform at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Sam is in a harness, wearing a white Action Tutoring t-shirt and orange helmet while smiling at the camera.
Abseiler and Senior Data and Evaluation Officer, Sam,
poses for a photo on the abseil platform.

A staff team of six faced a daring challenge in another autumn fundraiser – abseiling off the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral!

A picture of Action Tutoring's six staff autumn fundraisers. The team are wearing white Action Tutoring t-shirts and black/grey trousers and smiling at the camera.
The team of six pose in front of the cathedral’s west door.

It’s the largest cathedral in the UK, with the 100m free-fall abseil taking place above the west door.

The team collectively raised an incredible £1,659 rising to £1,956.76 with Gift Aid! This impressive total could provide high-quality maths or English workbooks to 121 tutor and pupil groups.

“Abseiling to honour my dad’s memory while raising funds for a cause like Action Tutoring, was an experience I will never forget. Getting to share the day and take on a new challenge with other colleagues made the day even more special.”

Adriana – Senior Curriculum and Training Coordinator and abseiler

Embracing the mud

A picture of 5 Wolf Run autumn fundraiser runners standing and posing in front of the camera with a lot of mud on their clothes.
The daring team of five wolf runners smile despite the cold and mud!

Our Communications and Media Manager, Rebecca, and four friends, tackled a demanding 10K Wolf Run. The course featured freezing swims, muddy crawls, boggy scrambles, and 10ft obstacles!

The brave team raised £430, a total of £528.75 including Gift Aid. This could provide a year of face-to-face tutoring for an Action Tutoring pupil!

Communications and Media Manager and wolf runner, Rebecca.

Pedalling with a purpose

Tackling an incredible feat, cycling 55 miles from London-Brighton, our team of four completed a sunny, scenic, and strenuous ride.

For this autumn fundraiser, in total, the team raised an outstanding £1,204, rising to £1,481.87 including Gift Aid. This amount could provide enhanced DBS checks for 132 of our volunteer tutors!

Cyclist and London Programme Coordinator, Katy,
poses after the race.

“I look forward to participating in more fundraising challenges in the future!”

Katy – London Programme Coordinator and cyclist

Cyclists Merlin and Heather pose in front of the beautiful scenery.

Take on a challenge in summer

If you’re feeling inspired to take on a cycle, wolf run, abseil, or scootahlon, get in touch with Molly via molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk. She can help organise your event, and provide fundraising support throughout your journey.

Or, want to take a spot on one of our 2025 running events next summer? See a full list below, and contact us if you’re interested in joining our friendly fundraising team.

Fundraisers tackle Hackney Half to end education inequality

5 August 2024

The atmosphere for the Hackney Half marathon was electrifying. A field of over 20,000 runners were ready to push their minds and bodies to the finish line. Among them, our dedicated Action Tutoring team – a powerful force of 10 volunteers, staff members, QBE corporate partner employees, and supporters.

This is a picture of a crowd of runners ready to start the Hackney Half Marathon.
Thousands of eager runners gather at
the start line on the Hackney Marshes

Buzzing atmosphere

The energy of thousands of cheering fans at the Hackney Half marathon was contagious. Joining the high spirits to support our fundraisers was our Corporate Partnerships Coordinator, Anisa. 

“There was an incredible buzz not just at the event, but across the whole neighbourhood! It was so inspiring to see the sea of coloured t-shirts for the many charities people were supporting.”
Anisa

Our very own London Senior Programme Coordinator, Amber, echoes the positive vibes of race day.

“This was my first half marathon, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish! The atmosphere on the day was fantastic, with live music, cheering crowds, and plenty of water and sweets to keep me going.”
Amber

This is a picture of our fundraiser and Action Tutoring staff member, Amber. She is smiling at the camera and standing in the warm-up area at the Hackney Half Marathon prior to taking part in the event.
Amber poses for a photo in her running kit

Challenging conditions

The relentless sun beat down on the runners throughout the race. However, our QBE fundraiser, Michael, bravely didn’t let the heat stop him from getting his personal best (PB)!

“The weather on race day was a scorcher, which was great for the spectators, but made the running conditions a bit more challenging! I am very happy to have completed the race without stopping in 2:12. Not bad for a first attempt!”
Michael

This is a picture of our Action Tutoring fundraiser Michael at the start-finish line at his run. He is looking at the camera and drinking from his water bottle.
Michael keeping hydrated during
the hot temperatures on race day

Highly recommended!

For those seeking personal growth and a rewarding feeling, Michael suggests taking on a similar challenge.

“The event was great fun and very well organised with amazing support throughout the race and music/food/drink all going on at the finish line. I would highly recommend signing up to any future events.

I would also like to thank Action Tutoring for making this happen. I hope the money raised will go some way in helping support your pupils and volunteers!”
Michael

This is a picture of our Action Tutoring fundraiser Michael waving at the camera while completing the Hackney Half Marathon. He is smiling and waving at his family and friends and at the camera.
Michael waves to his family and friends
who are supporting him from the side lines

Amber, who has first-hand experience with the transformative power of tutoring, also reflects on this impactful experience.

“It was wonderful to run for a purpose and fundraise for a cause I truly care about. As someone who has tutored in various schools, I’ve seen the positive impact these sessions have on pupils.”
Amber

This is a picture of our Action Tutoring fundraiser Amber at the end of her run. She is sitting on the floor and smiling at the camera, celebrating her time.
Amber proudly poses with her medal at the finish line

Fundraising champions

The Hackney Half team raised an incredible £3,197, rising to £3,757 with Gift Aid. This incredible amount could provide 648 high quality workbooks for our volunteer tutors, or could provide a full year of tutoring for 7 pupils.

A special thank you to QBE, of which Action Tutoring is the UK community partner of their Foundation, for matching their employee, Michael’s, donations!

A huge congratulations to our team who ran in the Hackney Half marathon for our vital cause. We admire your outstanding training and fundraising efforts. We couldn’t achieve a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background without you. Thank you!”
Hannah O’Neill, Head of Philanthropy

Get involved

Are you inspired to take on a sponsored challenge for Action Tutoring? 

You can support young people who need it most by fundraising for a challenge such as a hike, cycle, walk, or run. Find out more and become a fundraiser below.

Fundraisers take on the Bristol 10k for disadvantaged pupils

4 July 2024

Five formidable fundraisers completed the Bristol 10k to raise crucial funds for pupils facing disadvantage across England.

Over 15,000 participants took on the route, passing stunning views and famous graffiti murals, whilst pushing their physical limits.

Read on to hear why our fundraisers took on this challenge to support the cause.

Dedicated support team

Our runners enjoyed some fantastic support on the day.

Staff from various departments of our organisation turned up to support, including Senior Bristol Programme Coordinator, Chloe, Senior Engagement Coordinator, Abby and Bristol and Sussex Programme Manager, Rachel.

Chloe reflects on the buzzing atmosphere of the day.

It was brilliant cheering on the runners at the Bristol 10k! There’s always such a great energy on the day, from both runners and supporters. – Chloe

Abby made a race day poster for Freya. It wasn’t just for cheering her on. The poster, which Freya loves, now holds a pride of place on her bedroom wall!

Picture of a poster reading ‘Let’s go Freya, you can do it!’ hanging on Action Tutoring staff member Freya’s wall.
“I loved running past my colleagues who came to support me!
Chloe and Rachel tracked me on the app and found good spots to wave at me
and cheer me on, and Abby made a ‘go Freya go’ poster
which I now have up on my bedroom wall!” – Freya

Dad and daughter duo

Freya, our Senior Bristol Programme Coordinator, teamed up with her dad, David, to conquer the race. It was a fantastic experience they’ll both cherish.

The race was much better than I expected! I was really happy that I achieved my goal of not stopping to walk. It was so good to run with my dad and to see the other fundraisers after the race. – Freya

Picture of Action Tutoring staff fundraiser, Freya, and her dad, David, waving at the camera whilst running.
Freya and her dad, David, wave at the camera whilst running.

Being mindful of the heat, Freya’s advice to future runners is to make sure you keep hydrated!

It was really hot and we didn’t know when we ran past the water station that there wasn’t going to be another one, so my advice to future fundraisers would be to grab two water bottles because you never know if there’s another water station on the route! – Freya

Picture of Action Tutoring staff fundraiser, Freya, and her dad at the Bristol 10k
Freya and her dad, David, pose for a cheerful photo at the end of the race.

Fundraising success!

The team of five raised an incredible £955.17, rising to £1175.93 with Gift Aid!

This amount could provide a year of face-to-face tutoring for 2 pupils. It could also provide 203 high quality workbooks for face-to-face tutors.

Congratulations to our five fantastic fundraisers who worked tirelessly to raise funds for our pupils by running the Bristol 10k. Our vision is a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background. We couldn’t achieve this vision without you, thank you! – Hannah O’Neill, Head of Philanthropy

Picture of Action Tutoring staff fundraiser Freya and Harrison, Molly, Freya and David
Harrison, Molly, Freya, and David pose for a finish line photo.

Get involved

Do you want to get involved in a fundraising challenge for us? We might just have the opportunity for you!

We’re currently looking for fundraisers to join our team for the London-Brighton Cycle Ride (55 miles) in September. Contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Molly, at molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk, or sign up via the link below!

Fearless fundraisers take on the Birmingham 10k to raise vital funds!

21 June 2024

Four incredible Action Tutoring fundraisers have taken on the Birmingham 10k to support disadvantaged young people. Pushing their physical limits, the fundraisers showed great dedication to our important cause of closing the education attainment gap.

Read on to hear about Orla, Molly, John, and Justina’s incredible commitment to our cause.

Booming atmosphere

Our Fundraising Coordinator for Campaigns, Events, and Individual Giving, Molly, attended the race to cheer on our incredible team. She highlights how the atmosphere on race day was electric.

The atmosphere was incredible! Supporters cheered all the way along the route, and the start and finish lines had a carnival-like atmosphere. Music was blaring and everyone was in high spirits. – Molly

Molly also shares her pride for our runners’ bravery and dedication by completing this personal challenge for our pupils.

It was amazing to see so many participants for various charities. I was immensely proud to see our runners sporting our Action Tutoring t-shirts through Birmingham’s streets! – Molly

Picture of our fundraising coordinator Molly standing on the sidelines at the Birmingham 10k, cheering our runners on.
Molly stands on the sidelines, cheering our runners on.

Finish line celebrations

After the race, Molly met our fundraisers who were all enthusiastic about their experience, calling it both fun and rewarding.

Orla and Molly are colleagues from QBE, of which Action Tutoring is the UK community partner of their Foundation. The two of them had a great time at the race, celebrating afterwards with some well-deserved pizza! Thank you to QBE for matching their donations!

Picture of Molly and Orla at Birmingham 10k
Orla and Molly show off their medals after the race.

During the race’s tougher moments, Justina drew inspiration from a pupil she tutored as an Action Tutoring volunteer. Remembering the positive change she made in their educational journey helped her push forward.

John said he felt humbled by the support he had received. This includes his family and friends with their generous donations, and his daughter, who cheered him on at race day.

Triumphant fundraising

It’s wonderful to see these fundraisers raising money to support Action Tutoring’s nationwide work and representing us in Birmingham, where we have over 170 pupils at 7 schools! Thanks so much!! – Alex Wilson, Midlands Programme Manager

The team of four collectively raised an incredible £5,478.24, rising to £6,485.74 with Gift Aid!

This staggering amount could provide a year of face-to-face tutoring for 13 pupils. It could also provide enhanced DBS checks for 600 volunteer tutors!

Thank you to our team of four that ran in this event in aid of our important work. We sincerely appreciate your effort and commitment to helping us close the attainment gap and tackle education inequality head on! – Hannah O’Neill, Head of Philanthropy

Picture of a tutor pupil in an Action Tutoring session.
One of our tutors and pupils smile during a tutoring session.

Fight education inequality with us!

Inspired by Orla, Molly, John, and Justina’s achievements? You can be a champion for education equality too!

  • Run or cycle for our cause: We have charity spots open at summer sporting events. See the full list on our fundraising page.
  • Dream up your own challenge: Can’t find the perfect event? Contact Molly, our Fundraising Coordinator (molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk), to discuss your own fundraising ideas – sports or otherwise!

Employees tackle south coast fundraising challenges!

2 May 2024

Showing true team spirit, three exceptional Action Tutoring employees have gone the extra mile for fundraising. Stepping outside their everyday role, Alice, Louisa and Stuart all completed sponsored runs to raise vital funds. Testing their physical resilience, their inspiring efforts support our ongoing mission of closing the education attainment gap.

Read on to find out why they laced up their shoes and kept going to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Braving the Brighton Half Marathon

Alice, our former engagement coordinator, daringly achieved her goals at February’s Brighton Half Marathon. She took Brighton’s infamous winds in her stride, sailing through her challenge on the electric seafront.

“My energy matched the event’s atmosphere. Music blasted everywhere and crowds constantly cheered you on!”

Alice

Alice says while initially feeling daunted by the physical challenge, she soon enjoyed her training runs. All her efforts paid off on the day when she had that runners high!

“I really enjoyed pushing beyond my comfort zone. I find running is great at testing both your physical and mental strength. That post-run feeling is always amazing!”

Alice

Alice worked brilliantly on both her training plan and her fundraising too. She raised an incredible amount of £305, with an additional £60 in Gift Aid!

“The most rewarding part for me was fundraising. Seeing every lovely supportive message was such a joy. It made all those practice runs seem worthwhile.”

Alice

Taking on the Brighton 10k

Staying with Brighton, one of our Sussex programme coordinators, Louisa, ran April’s exciting Brighton 10K (BM10K). Brighton’s blustery weather returned, but Louisa battled through to enjoy a great day running for our charity.

“Was a lovely sunny (albeit windy!) day and I was delighted to get my sub hour target! This was my first time completing something like this and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it! “

Louisa

Louisa found having this race as an aspirational goal kept her motivated and active across the colder months.

“It was so helpful having a target during winter. It helped to force me to leave the house and stay active.”

Louisa

Considering a similar challenge for Action Tutoring? Louisa says our staff brilliantly supported her fundraising journey, providing resources and tips to help her reach the target. Louisa raised an incredible £400, rising to £493.75 with Gift Aid!

Southampton 10k success!

Finally, our communications officer, Stuart, boldly took on the Southampton 10K. Race day saw few clouds as crowds offered banners and powerful cheering to energise runners.

“The crowds were incredible and gave lovely support. The kids also had very engaging power up and tap for a boost banners which were fun and motivational.”

Stuart

Stuart soon released early race nerves, finding a calm flow. Enjoying a rewarding experience, Stuart raised an amazing £105.00 plus £26.25 in Gift Aid.

“Fundraising for Action Tutoring and making a difference to the lives and learning of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds is fantastic.”

Stuart

For future budding fundraisers out there, Stuart recommends doing something you naturally enjoy. 

“I’d suggest thinking carefully about which challenge will bring out the best in you. This may empower you to complete it and enjoy it better.

Stuart

Get involved to help us tackle education inequality!

Feeling inspired by Alice, Louisa, and Stuart’s extraordinary achievements?
We have several charity spaces available at summer sporting events. Find a full events list on our fundraising page. Alternatively, email our fundraising coordinator, Molly, via molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk for more events information. You can also contact Molly if you’re considering taking on your own challenge, sports based or not!

Supporting our work

Join our mission to transform the lives of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. You can contribute to their brighter future, including: 

Together, we can cross the finish line of opportunity and bring lasting difference to every pupil.

Mum and daughter conquer Sheffield 10K to tackle educational inequalities

1 December 2023

The streets of Sheffield witnessed a heartwarming display of determination as Action Tutoring’s Sheffield programme coordinator, Rachel, and her mum, Mary, took on the Sheffield 10K run to raise funds to support disadvantaged pupils.

The Sheffield 10K saw thousands of runners enjoying South Yorkshire’s famous Steel City, with the route taking runners out of the city and into the surrounding areas before returning to the city centre for the finish.

Weathering a storm

The wet and windy weather didn’t stop the mother-daughter pair from braving through the storm to cross the finish line. They endured the weather with a shared goal in mind – to make a difference in the lives of children and young people facing disadvantage in schools.

Fundraising run
Rachel and mum, Mary, proudly display their Sheffield 10K medal

Generous donors

The pair were spurred on by their supportive friends and family through the run and fundraising efforts. They raised £394 plus £92.50 in Gift Aid. Rachel shared how they were touched by the generosity of donors and well-wishers, especially tutors who already give their time to volunteer for Action Tutoring.

“The kind words, lovely messages, and donations from tutors who already do so much for Action Tutoring were particularly heartwarming.”

Rachel

The total of £486.50 can translate into providing 14 new pairs of noise-cancelling headphones for pupils receiving tutoring support or equally covering the cost of enhanced DBS checks for 45 tutors.

Go for it! 

Despite the daunting physical and mental hurdles of the run, Rachel and Mary completed it in high spirits, embodying perseverance and commitment to the cause. 

Rachel’s advice for future fundraisers contemplating a similar challenge is simple.

“Go for it! If you are new to running or have never entered a running event before, they’re a brilliant way to motivate yourself.”

Rachel

Rachel also advised that running with a friend or listening to a podcast or music serves as an effective distraction during the tougher moments in training for the race.

Fundraising run - Sheffield 10K
Rachel’s mum, Mary, shows off the mission of Action Tutoring at the back of her T-shirt during the run

“We are so proud of Rachel and Mary for tackling the Sheffield 10K to support disadvantaged children and young people. You’re both amazing advocates for Action Tutoring and have championed our mission in a triumphant way. With your help, we can tackle education inequality head-on. Thank you!

Head of Philanthropy, Hannah O’Neill

Do you want to get involved in a fundraising challenge for us? We’re currently looking for fundraisers to fill our charity spaces on the Hackney Half 2024 and the RideLondon-Essex 60 2024. Please complete the form in link below or contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Molly: molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk.

Going the extra mile: Employees run for a cause

20 July 2023

In a remarkable display of spirit, three extraordinary employees of Action Tutoring stepped up to the challenge to run for fundraising. Going beyond their day-to-day roles at our charity, Rachel, Beth, and Georgia embarked on sponsored runs, pushing their physical limits to raise funds to support tutoring disadvantaged young people. 

Let’s dive into their inspiring stories to find out what fuelled their motivations to conquer the challenge.

Conquering the Great Bristol Run

Rachel Roberts, our Bristol and Sussex Programme Manager, fearlessly tackled the renowned 2023 Great Bristol Run. With perfect weather conditions and an atmosphere charged with excitement, Rachel soared through the course, leaving her challenges in the dust.

“The running conditions were perfect, the weather was warm and windless, and the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Rachel

After the intense physical effort and fundraising effort of £165 which increases to £201 with Gift Aid, Rachel deservedly relaxed under the sun, sharing a well-earned celebratory drink with friends.

Rachel runs in Action Tutoring T-shirt

Reflecting on her experience, Rachel’s key piece of advice for future fundraisers undertaking a similar journey, is to make sure you tell your friends and family your estimated running time.

“Tell your spectators your estimated running time or they may miss you on the route.”

Rachel

Trailblazing at the Wimbledon Common Half Marathon

Away from the loud cheers of other races, Georgia Pearson, the London Programme Coordinator embarked on the Wimbledon Common Half Marathon. With each stride,  Georgia relished the breathtaking experience of running amidst picturesque trails rather than the usual humdrum of city roads. 

Georgia said she found solace and strength in the run-through trails, a welcome distraction during challenging moments of the run.

“I really enjoyed the challenge of running a half-marathon and the fact that it was on trails rather than road running because it meant I could focus on the lovely surroundings when it got tough!”

Georgia

Beyond running along the scenic route, another highlight for Georgia was spotting The Wombles!

With the race behind her, Georgia was thrilled to witness the donations pouring in amounting to £625 plus £136 through Gift Aid – knowing that every contribution would support Action Tutoring’s impactful work.

“It was great to see the donations rolling in after I had completed the race and know that the money will support Action Tutoring’s work. It has definitely inspired me to take on bigger and more difficult challenges in the future”

Georgia

For aspiring runners, take note of Georgia’s advice: Just go for it and you won’t regret it.

Get involved to make a difference

Feeling inspired by the extraordinary achievements of Rachel, Beth, and Georgia?

Visit our fundraising page to learn more about how you can lace up your running shoes, take on a sponsored run to harness the power of your strides and become a hero for those in need.

Be a part of our mission to transform lives in many other ways – volunteer for an hour a week to support children, donate to our work or advocate to contribute to a brighter future for disadvantaged young people. 

Together, we can cross the finish line of opportunity and build brighter futures for every child.