The Big Berkeley Biathlon took place in the first weekend of September, and what an incredible achievement it was!
We are delighted to share that the challenge has raised an amazing £77,000 for our charity partners, New Horizon Youth Centre and St Basils. This funding will help support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing vital opportunities, stability and hope for the future.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated, cheered us on, shared messages of support or joined the challenge along the way. Every contribution helped make this achievement possible.
The Big Berkeley Biathlon began as an idea from Piers Clanford, Chair of Trustees of the Berkeley Foundation, who wanted to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by young people without a safe place to call home. Piers was joined by a core team of Berkeley colleagues, alongside Phil Kerry from New Horizon Youth Centre, to take on the full challenge.
The team set off from St Basils' Work Space in Birmingham on Friday morning, ready for the first marathon walk. Along the route, they were joined by eight Berkeley colleagues whose company and conversation helped carry the team all the way to Leamington Spa.
Saturday brought perhaps the toughest test: an epic 159km bike ride from Leamington Spa to Uxbridge. Following a mix of canal towpaths and roads through the Midlands and into North West London, the team faced the challenge with tired legs after the previous day's marathon. Despite the demanding distance, everyone dug deep, supported one another and reached the finish in great spirits.
After two gruelling days, Sunday morning required plenty of determination. The team set off early for their final marathon walk, heading towards London. At The Green Quarter, they were joined by a further group of Berkeley colleagues for the final 30km stretch. Their energy and encouragement provided a welcome boost as the finish line came into sight.
Together, the group arrived at New Horizon Youth Centre on Sunday afternoon, completing the challenge and celebrating an unforgettable journey across three days.
Reflecting on the challenge, Piers said:
"As a business, creating homes is at the heart of what Berkeley do. Through the Berkeley Foundation, we extend that commitment beyond the homes we build, investing in organisations that help young people access the safety, stability and opportunities they need to build positive futures. We know that a safe home is about much more than four walls and a roof. It is the foundation from which young people can access education, employment, good health and independence.
We're incredibly proud of our long-standing partnerships with St Basils in Birmingham and New Horizon Youth Centre in London, and I’m proud of the team for taking on this challenge in support of their work.”
Marsha Blake, Chief Executive of St Basils, highlights the impact the challenge will have for young people.
"St Basils works with young people aged 16 to 25 who are at risk of homelessness or who have already found themselves without a safe place to live. Our goal is to help young people rebuild their confidence, develop new skills, find work, continue their education and, ultimately, create a future that's full of opportunity.
The money raised through the Big Berkeley Biathlon will make a huge difference to both our causes, helping us prevent youth homelessness right here in the West Midlands."
