Hopwood Hall College's new charity challenge the #Hopwood1000

Hopwood Hall College has launched a mammoth charity challenge called the #Hopwood1000.

It sees staff, students and partners being sponsored as they attempt to cover a huge distance of 1,000 miles over the space of just two weeks.

All the donations will be split between Maggie’s and Early Break, two amazing causes with roots in Greater Manchester.

Maggie’s, the college’s charity of the year, provides free cancer support and information at centres across the UK.

Meanwhile, Early Break attends to the emotional wellbeing of children and young people affected by drugs and other substances by the provision of counselling, support and treatment services.

Those taking part in the challenge have the option to walk or run in order to contribute miles ahead of the deadline on Sunday 17 May.

The number of miles will be tracked through the fitness app Strava, with daily updates being released on social media to reveal how close participants are to hitting the daunting 1,000-mile target.

This venture is the latest way the college is using its resources to give back to the community following the outbreak of Covid-19.

Just last month it donated vital PPE to key workers, including visors made on-site by the engineering team.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so through:

• www.justgiving.com/team/teamhopwood

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “The #Hopwood1000 is a fantastic opportunity for us to raise some much-needed funds for two incredibly important charities in Maggie’s and Early Break.

“While we may have set the bar high, I’m confident our staff, students and partners will rise to the challenge in order to support the work done by these two really worthwhile causes.

“Please donate what you can and together we will be able to make a difference to the lives of people who most need our help.”

Kris Robinson, Centre Director for Sport and Public Services at Hopwood Hall College, said: “We have a lot of community spirit at Hopwood and it’s important that we use this to raise as much money as possible for Maggie’s and Early Break.

“This challenge gives us a goal and a purpose during lockdown. I know everyone will be pushing themselves in aid of the charities and with people’s support we will be able to hit our massive target.”