For the second year running, Danny Carling and Marc Shaw have taken on the challenging Great Leeds Walk, completing a 26-mile trek to raise money for Leeds Children’s Charity.
Their Great Leeds Walk fundraising is helping more children across Leeds experience safety, adventure and the chance to simply be children at the charity’s home, Lineham Farm.
As part of our Supporter Spotlight series, we’re celebrating Danny and Marc’s incredible commitment to supporting children in Leeds and showing how local charity fundraising in Leeds can make a real difference to children facing difficult circumstances.
Supporting Childhoods Through Fundraising
Danny first discovered Leeds Children’s Charity when organising a workplace raffle and wanted the proceeds to support a local cause.
“Looking at what the charity does, and the cause really resonated with me.
What stood out was the opportunity the charity provides for children facing difficult circumstances to enjoy a break away from daily pressures and create positive childhood memories.
Seeing kids being able to escape to the farm and spend time being kids without worry is an amazing thing to do. I’m lucky that I can afford to take my kids away and let them enjoy their lives, whilst fully aware not everyone has that luxury.”
For Danny, supporting a children’s charity in Leeds is about helping give children opportunities that they may otherwise miss out on.
Over the past two years, Danny and Marc have raised more than £2,400 through their fundraising efforts, demonstrating the difference that individuals can make when they take on a fundraising challenge for children.
And their support doesn’t stop there. They’re already committed to continuing their fundraising for Leeds Children’s Charity in the years ahead.
Why They Keep Coming Back
For Danny and Marc, charity fundraising is about creating opportunities for children who may otherwise miss out on experiences many of us take for granted.
“We often get thanked for raising money for charity, but for us thanks is never needed. We’re in a privileged position to be able to provide for our families and by doing this we’re hoping that other kids get the chance to be a kid for a few days.”
Their connection with the charity has grown over time, and seeing the impact of their fundraising has strengthened their commitment to supporting children in Leeds.
“We have built a good relationship with Megan at the charity over the last couple of years and it’s great to see where the money goes.”
That connection is a powerful reminder that local charity fundraising in Leeds can have a direct and lasting impact on children and young people in our community.
26 Miles Later…
Completing a 26-mile charity walk is no small achievement, especially when you take on the challenge more than once!
For Danny and Marc, the Great Leeds Walk is a test of determination, resilience and teamwork.
“The walk gets harder as we get older and the last few miles this year were horrendous, but we managed to do it and we’ll no doubt be back again next year.”
Their determination to return year after year shows exactly what makes charity supporters so important to Leeds Children’s Charity.
Every mile walked and every pound raised helps provide children with residential breaks and outdoor learning experiences at Lineham Farm – helping them build confidence, discover new experiences, create lasting memories and experience childhood as it should be.
Thanks to supporters like Danny and Marc, more children across Leeds can experience the joy, adventure and belonging that every child deserves.
Support Leeds Children’s Charity
One in four children in Leeds lives in poverty, and demand for support continues to rise.
Your support can help Leeds Children’s Charity provide brighter childhood experiences for children facing disadvantage, poverty and difficult circumstances.
Whether you take on a charity fundraising challenge in Leeds, join one of our events, organise a workplace fundraiser or make a donation, you can help create positive experiences and lasting memories for children across our city.
Get involved today and help more children experience the childhood they deserve.
Inspired by Danny and Marc’s story? If you’d like to support Leeds Children’s Charity through fundraising, our friendly Fundraising Team is here to help. Whether you’re planning your own challenge, organising a workplace fundraiser or looking for another way to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with our Fundraising Team:info@leedschildrenscharity.org.uk