Stuart Barnes

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 am now about to embark on 50 challenges, over 50 months, hoping to raise 50 thousand pounds before finishing in November 2016 on my 50th birthday! There are few challenges planned, half marathons, marathons, cycle rides etc 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!

October 2012 - swim 1 mile per day before/after work until I have swum the distance of the English Channel.

November 2012 - Conwy Half Marat... more

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 am now about to embark on 50 challenges, over 50 months, hoping to raise 50 thousand pounds before finishing in November 2016 on my 50th birthday! There are few challenges planned, half marathons, marathons, cycle rides etc 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!

October 2012 - swim 1 mile per day before/after work until I have swum the distance of the English Channel.

November 2012 - Conwy Half Marathon

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

So how about getting me off to a start, 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. 700 young people each year and has recently opened a second centre in the neighbouring area of Kearsley. We will shortly be launching an education project and plans are also well advance for a third centre!

Massive thanks,

Stuart