The Maypole Project

"When people ask why I keep choosing to raise money for The Maypole Project, the answer is actually quite simple." 🫶

Alvaro first discovered The Maypole Project while volunteering at one of our Christmas collections. Having become a parent just six months earlier, learning about the support we provide to children with complex medical needs and their families really struck a chord with him.

As he continued volunteering and meeting the families we support, he realised he wanted to use his passion for endurance challenges to make a difference.

His latest challenge was nothing short of extraordinary – running 500 miles from Bristol to Madrid in just 10 days, while pulling a 30kg child's trailer attached to his waist. Battling mountain passes, two heatwaves and some of the toughest physical and mental moments he's ever faced, there was one thought that kept him going.

"The trailer began to take on a much deeper meaning. It became a reminder of the invisible weight that so many parents carry every single day when caring for a child with complex medical needs. They don't get to put that weight down. They keep going because they have to."

That thought gave every step a purpose far greater than simply reaching Madrid.

"If my challenges can help raise awareness, inspire someone else to take on their own challenge, or simply raise a little more money to support the incredible work of The Maypole Project, then every blister, every hill and every difficult mile has been worth it."

Thank you, Alvaro, for your incredible determination, compassion and unwavering support. Every mile you've run is helping us continue to support the children and families who need us most 💜

You can read Alvaro's full story on our website now 🔗 https://www.themaypoleproject.co.uk/fundraise/volunteer/

Do you have an idea for a incredible fundraising challenge? Get in touch with us today by emailing [email protected] or call us on 01689 851596 📧📞

Friendship can make all the difference, especially during life's most difficult moments 💜✨

This International Friendship Day (30th July), we're celebrating the connections that help children and young people feel understood, supported, and less alone.

At The Maypole Project, we create safe spaces where friendships can grow through shared experiences. Our Youth Club encourages socialising, builds confidence, nurtures independence, and gives young people the opportunity to have fun together. Our Living with Pain peer support group brings together young people with similar experiences, creating a place where they can be themselves, feel heard, and know they are not alone.

You can also become a Maypole Friend today by making a regular donation. Whether you choose to give monthly, quarterly, or annually, your support helps us continue to be a , ensuring children, young people, and their families can access the support, friendships, and community they need.

To find out more about becoming a Maypole Friend, email [email protected] or visit our website 📧

☀️ Join our Summer of Support with Redonate 👕

Looking to have a summer clear-out?

Instead of throwing away clothes you no longer wear, give them a second life with Redonate. It's a simple, convenient way to recycle your unwanted clothing—they'll even collect your donations from your doorstep!

The best part? You can choose The Maypole Project as your chosen charity, helping to provide vital support for children with complex medical needs and their families.

This summer, every wardrobe clear out could help make a difference and is a wonderful way to take part in our Summer campaign.

Book your collection today by simply clicking the link below 🔗
https://redonate.uk/

Clear your wardrobe, reduce waste, and make a real difference this summer 💜

We're so excited that our Summer Outings begin tomorrow! ☀️🚐

Over the next 5 weeks, we have an amazing line-up of adventures planned, including: 🐴 a trip to the stables at Rainbow Pony Rides ⛵ learning some sailing skills at Chipstead Lakes 🧗 reaching new heights at Reach Climbing Centre 🦁 and a day out at Tilgate Park & Zoo!

And, of course, our lovely Mabel the Maypole Minibus will be taking us on all of these wonderful summer adventures! 💜

We can't wait to make lots of fantastic memories together and share some of the fun with you along the way. Here's to a summer full of laughter, new experiences, and great adventures! 🌞✨

If you'd like to find out more about the activities we provide at The Maypole Project, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call us on 01689 851596 📧📞

🚨 Only 9 charity places left! 🚨

🏃‍♀️🌳 Run the Royal Parks Half Marathon with and make every mile matter on Sunday 11th October 2026 💜

Take on one of London's most stunning half marathons while raising vital funds for children with complex medical needs and disabilities, and their families.

When you join Team Maypole, you'll get:
✨ A Maypole running top ✨ Dedicated fundraising support ✨ Plenty of encouragement from our team ✨ The chance to make a real difference

Whether it's your first half marathon or your fiftieth, we'd love to have you with us—but once these places are gone, they're gone!

📧 Secure your place today by emailing [email protected] or by clicking the link below to sign up:
https://www.themaypoleproject.co.uk/event/royal-parks-half-marathon/

Don't miss out—join Team Maypole and make your miles count💜

🏊‍♀️ Places are still available – but they won't be for long! 🏊‍♂️

Take on the Hever Castle 1-Mile Open Water Swim on Saturday 26th September 2026 and support The Maypole Project!

✨ Swim in the stunning lake at Hever Castle
💷 Just £25 to register
💜 No minimum sponsorship – simply raise what you can!

Swim in the beautiful lake set within the stunning grounds of Hever Castle and make a real difference for local children and families.

Don't miss out – secure your place with before they're gone!
You'll receive fundraising support and plenty of encouragement every step of the way.

Get in touch with us today or click on the link below to sign up:
https://www.themaypoleproject.co.uk/event/hever-castle-swim/

📧 [email protected]
📞 01689 851596

🌞 Calling all local businesses! 🌞

Could your pub, café, restaurant, coffee shop or local business help make a real difference this summer?

We're looking for local businesses to partner with us at The Maypole Project by hosting a fundraising event as part of our campaign. Every pound you raise will help us continue supporting children with complex medical needs and their families, providing practical and emotional support when it's needed most.

Fundraising doesn't have to be complicated. You could host:
☕ A coffee morning
🍰 A bake sale
🧠 A pub quiz
🎟️ A raffle
💰 A collection tin at your counter..or any other fundraising idea that works for your business.

You won't be doing it alone. We'll provide everything you need to get started, including promotional materials and a simple fundraising guide to make organising your event as easy as possible.

Whether you raise £50 or £500, every contribution helps The Maypole Project continue supporting local children and families facing the challenges of complex medical needs.

If you'd like to get involved this, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch by calling us on 01689 851596 or emailing [email protected] and let's work together to make a difference for the families who need us most 💜

🎉 Challenge complete! What an incredible achievement! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Alvaro, who completed an extraordinary 707km journey from the UK to Madrid in just 10 days—two days ahead of schedule! 🏃‍♂️💪

You may have seen us share his challenge idea back in May, running from Bristol to Spain, self-supported! Along the way, he battled a heatwave, climbed over 8,000 metres, crossed mountains in Spain, pushed through injuries, ran for 105 hours, and even had to make a speedy escape from a herd of cows! 🐄

Despite every challenge, Alvaro never gave up, all to raise money for The Maypole Project. Thanks to his incredible determination—and the generosity of everyone who has supported him—he has raised an amazing £2,969 (and counting!) to help us continue supporting children with complex medical needs and their families.

From everyone at The Maypole Project, thank you, Alvaro, for your resilience, dedication and kindness. You have achieved something truly remarkable, and we're so grateful that you chose to do it in support of our charity 💜

If you'd like to celebrate Alvaro's incredible achievement, there's still time to donate and help make an even bigger difference. We will share his fundraising link in our stories.

Want to take part in your own challenge? Get in touch with us today, we'd love to hear your ideas - email us on [email protected] 📧

🌳👟 Ready to go the extra 13.1 miles? 👟🌸

The Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026 is back, and we'd love you to join on Sunday 11th October 2026! 💙

Whether you're chasing a PB, ticking a half marathon off your bucket list, or simply looking for a challenge with a purpose, this is one of London's most spectacular races.

🏃 Run through the beautiful Royal Parks
👑 Pass iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall
💜 Raise vital funds to help children with complex medical needs and their families

We have places available on , and when you join you'll receive:
✨ A welcome pack packed with fundraising tips
🤝 Dedicated support from our fundraising team every step of the way
👕 A bright Maypole Project running vest to wear with pride

Already got your own place through the ballot? We'd still love to have you on ! Just raise what you can and enjoy all the same fantastic support.

Every mile you run and every pound you raise helps us continue providing practical and emotional support to children with complex medical needs and their families.

🎉 So... are you ready to lace up, take on 13.1 miles, and make every step count?

👉 Register today through the link below or get in touch by emailing our fundraising team at [email protected]

We are delighted to announce that our Summer Campaign is now live! ☀️

This summer's campaign shares a simple but powerful message: that at The Maypole Project, we strive to be a lifeline for a lifetime for our families.

When a family receives a life-changing diagnosis, the journey doesn't end after the first appointment or hospital visit. While doctors and hospitals provide essential medical care, families also need ongoing emotional support, understanding, and someone to walk alongside them through every stage of their journey.

At The Maypole Project, we're proud to be that constant source of support—helping children and young people with complex medical needs, and their families, navigate the challenges they face today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

This summer, help us be a lifeline for a lifetime 💜

Please donate if you can https://www.themaypoleproject.co.uk/fundraise/donate/

📖 You can also read our Summer Newsletter to learn more about our work and the impact of your support by clicking the link below:
https://lnkd.in/ePuQVdwV