Challenge yourself ion 2026 and support animals in need

If one of your New Year’s goals for 2026 is to try something new or get active, the fundraising challenge events for Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare could be just the thing.

From jumping out of a plane to running past some of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, there’s a challenge to suit all tastes, whether you love an adrenaline rush or prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground. Best of all, every challenge supports animals in need, so you’ll be doing something amazing while having a great time.

Adrenaline Challenges

• Skydive for Raystede

Take the leap from 10,000 feet and enjoy an unforgettable adrenaline rush, all in the name of charity. With flexible dates and locations available, you can fit your skydive around your schedule.

• Wing Walking

This one’s not for the faint-hearted! Strap in and spend 10 thrilling minutes standing on the wing of a plane, reaching speeds of up to 110mph and taking in incredible views. Available in June or September, this is the ultimate challenge for serious thrill-seekers.

Running Challenges

• Brighton Half Marathon – 1 March

Often dubbed the “happiest half marathon”, this scenic coastal run takes you past Brighton Palace Pier, Hove’s colourful beach huts and the Royal Pavilion. With fantastic crowd support and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s a firm favourite for runners of all abilities.

• London Marathon MyWay – 26 April

Want to be part of the London Marathon without the crowds? Take on the challenge from wherever you are. Run, walk, cycle or roll your way through the distance and be part of this world-famous event in your own way.

• Royal Parks Half Marathon – 11 October

Run through four of London’s beautiful Royal Parks and past famous sights including Buckingham Palace, The Mall and the Royal Albert Hall. A great mix of sightseeing and serious running.

“Trying something new”

Eleanor Frost is one of the runners joining #TeamRaystede at the Brighton Half Marathon and says the challenge was too good to miss:

“I’m a very active person and wanted to try something new, so signing up for the Brighton Half Marathon felt like a fun challenge.

“I work in the café at Raystede, so I see how much effort goes into caring for the animals every day. It’s great to be able to do something I enjoy while raising money to support that work.”

How your fundraising helps

Raystede relies on donations and sponsorship to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in its care and every penny raised really does count.

Just £50 could feed a dog in the kennels for a month, £113 could help care for a cat in the cattery while they wait for their forever home, and £349 could cover a month’s care for one of Raystede’s aviary birds.

So, whether you’re chasing a PB, ticking something off your bucket list or simply fancy a new challenge, why not get involved and have some fun for a great cause?

To find out more about Raystede’s 2026 fundraising challenge events, visit:
https://www.raystede.org/support-us/challenge-events/