As we welcome warmer temps and the start of the spring season, we have some well-timed motivation to get outside and active this month. April marks Move More Month, a movement designed to encourage people to get up and move. Movement is not only beneficial for your own physical and mental health—you can also move to help others! Here, we share three ways to get active this spring and summer. Together, we can move more and give back even more.
Mighty Hikes: For Photo-Worthy Movement
Why not move more in some of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of the UK? Macmillan Cancer Support offers exactly this opportunity with its 12 Mighty Hikes campaign. You choose from one of a dozen amazing locations (here’s a list) and challenge yourself to a full or half marathon hike. When you sign up to be “Mighty”, you’ll help raise money to support people living with cancer. Just complete the registration form, pay a nominal fee, and get started with fundraising. Macmillan provides everything you need for a successful hike, including your own JustGiving page to start raising funds toward your £250 pledge. Mighty Hikers also receive some great Macmillan gear, like a branded walking top, a finisher’s medal, and pit stops with snacks and drinks—even some bubbly at the finish line!
RideLondon: Something for Everyone
If you’re not up to a marathon hike, how about a bike ride? RideLondon offers a Ford RideLondon FreeCycle event on 28 May featuring a traffic-free route in central London. It’s the perfect choice for cyclists of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds (plus it’s a unique opportunity to explore the city by bike). If you’re up for a challenge, you could also sign up for the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100, 60, or 30. What causes matter to you? No matter which route you ride, you’ll be raising money for a critical charity of your choice, like the Alzheimer’s Society or the Eve Appeal—and you’ll get some sweet gear along the way.
Muddy Dog Challenge: Get your Furry Friends Moving
After a long winter, our furry family members are also probably longing for more outside time with you. Consider signing up for Battersea’s Muddy Dog Challenge to raise funds to help animals in need, alongside your own special animal! You can “Get Muddy” and sign up for a 2.5 or 5K obstacle race that you can run or walk with friends and family, with or without a dog. It’s easy to get involved: the Muddy Dog Challenge happens in six different locations throughout 2023, or you can even create your own DIY Muddy Dog Challenge on a date and place of your choosing. Battersea also gifts an exclusive dog lead to the top ten fundraisers at each event!
How will you move more this month? We’d love to hear what other ideas you have to get active for a good cause this spring and summer, and whether you plan to train for your challenge or jump right in.
If you’re keen to show your support while you’re on the move, you can further support the causes you care about by visiting the online shop of your favourite charity to pick up some badges, sweatbands, and other move-friendly gear. We look forward to seeing you out and about!