Chris Harrison will be braving the winter weather to complete a sponsored walk and raise money for residents at our STAY in Millhaven service.
The walk, taking place on December 19, will be around 12 miles in length, starting in Silsden and finishing at Bradford Town Hall.
“We want to raise around £250 for residents at our STAY in Millhaven service to help them out with utility costs over Christmas and buy presents so that they know they are appreciated and cared for,” he explained. “I have asked some of my colleagues and the residents if they would like to join me on the walk but I’m not sure they were too keen with the weather!”
STAY in Millhaven offers accommodation and support for women in the Bradford district who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, working alongside them to help achieve housing, health and wellbeing, and employment goals.
Chris said that seeing the ways in which people came together during COVID-19 motivated himself to set up a Community Group on Facebook which now has over 10,000 active members.
“During the lockdown, I think it was nice to see all the good people helping others in their community. It is amazing to see what people do. Naturally, I have always enjoyed helping other people. When the pandemic started, it inspired me to start the group with my friend Jake.
“We were taking food parcels and over-the-counter medication out to people, trying to do our bit to help out. We received some coverage in the Telegraph and Argus and were on the radio.”
Chris has already done fantastic work through his fundraising, and while the weather this weekend may add an extra layer of difficulty, he is still very excited to keep challenging himself in the future.
“Last year we raised money to buy games consoles, televisions and snacks for the young people at one of our Group Living Services. I also raised over £500 doing a 20-mile walk along the canals from Ilkley to Bradford after a friend of mine passed away.”
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