Lisburn News

Paul takes on Olympic sized challenge to raise £1m for NSPCC

Paul Stephenson from the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit takes up the Gold Challenge, as he tackles a target distance of 2012km in the Olympic year.

A LISBURN man has signed up for the '2012km Gold Challenge', and will be joining fellow NSPCC supporters in trying to raise £1 million by covering a distance of 2,012km during the year.

Athletes are being invited to step up to the podium with Paul Stephenson, from the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit by setting themselves the goal of covering 2012km by December 2012. Whether by walking, running, cycling, swimming, horse riding, sailing, windsurfing, rowing or canoeing - or a combination of these activities — there's an opportunity for sportsmen and women across Northern Ireland to take on this epic challenge.

It is hoped that through sponsorship and corporate support, participants will raise a total of £1 million to help continue the vital work of the NSPCC including ChildLine.

Paul said: "At first glance 2012km sounds like a daunting prospect, but it is also a do-able challenge with incredibly meaningful outcomes for local children. When you consider that £4 could pay for a child to get in touch with a Childline counsellor, it is clear that every contribution could have a life-changing impact.

"In the months and years ahead, our work locally will include support for children who have a parent with a mental health problem, education for new parents, therapeutic services for children who have experienced sexual abuse, and support for children in care. There is great work being done across Northern Ireland, but continued support public support is vital."

The Gold Challenge, a non-profit organisation, is part of the mass participation legacy programme for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the NSPCC is one of 125 'Gold Challenge Partners'.

There are several ways to earn a place at the Gold Challenge Olympic Stadium incentive day, supported by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), charities' celebrity ambassadors and Team GB legends; the first is to be one of the 72 highest Gold Challenge fundraisers by February 29, or to be in the top nine fundraising businesses, the top university or the top four fundraising schools. The second is for the NSPCC to allocate you a place within its own exclusive 100m race, or for selected corporate partners' employees to fundraise their way into the NSPCC Corporate Team Relay.

To find out how you can get involved or for more information contact Kate Hershkowitz on 020 825 2560, email goldchallenge@nspcc.org.uk or visit www.nspcc.org.uk/goldchallenge.

Ulster Star
17/02/2012