50 50 50 50 Challenge

Demand for our activities and services at Zac's keeps growing, as funding sources shrink so it is time to do something a bit different to raise the much needed funds to keep our work going and growing. Instead of 1 challenge I set out to take on; 50 challenges, over 50 months, hoping to raise 50 thousand pounds before finishing in November 2016 on my 50th birthday! So far I have completed a half marathon, a triathlon, the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Rife, the Yorkshire 3 peaks, cooked a banquet for 20, climbed the height of Kilimanjaro on a stair master and more. Next up is the Tough Mudder event. There are a few more challenges planned, marathons, cycle rides and even an ambitious running relay covering the length of the UK as well as some non physical activities, But I am looking for more to add to the list, making a variety which will hopefully attract others to join me for one or more, widening the net of potential sponsors. All ideas welcome but they must not incorporate heights, horses or custard! They must be inexpensive too, as 100% of the sponsor money will go to Zac's, non towards the cost of challenges!

As the challenge progresses I will update this page, our website, zacsbar.co.uk, our newsletter and I may even lget my heard around blogs and tweeting.

So how about keeping me going, even with 50p although I won't say no to £50!

If you are not familiar with the work of Zac's then here is a potted history.....

Back in 2000 the opportunity arose to buy an old run down pub in the centre of Farnworth (Bolton) - this was the start for the charity, The Sycamore Project. It was reopened as Zac's Youth Bar, an alcohol free bar for young people. The bar has pool tables, games consoles, music and a range of alcohol free cocktails. It soon became very popular for young people and a safe place to be. Over the past decade the project has developed a range of activities; after school clubs, sporting activities, mentoring, community action and projects involving young people from differing social and cultural backgrounds, young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and those struggling at school. Without Zac's, many young people living in some of the most disadvantaged areas would have far fewer positive activities and input. At Zac's we want to do much more though, than just provide activities, and therefore encourage lasting, long term benefits, changing attitudes, behaviours, confidence and aspiration, enabling young people to lead richer, more rewarding lives.

Zac's is currently working with c. 1500 young people each year and has recently opened a second centre in the neighbouring area of Kearsley. Plans are also well advance for a third centre!

Massive thanks,

Stuart