This year, we are supporting two amazing charities: The YMCA and Harry's Rainbow. Take a moment to read their stories and maybe think about running for them.

Harry's Rainbow aim to give bereaved children and young people a brighter tomorrow.

We provide support to more than 500 children, young people and young adults, in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Each year more than 150 recently bereaved children register to access our support. Statistics show that:

- By the age of 16, 4.7 per cent or around 1 in 20 young people will have experienced the death of one or both of their parents

- In 2017, 7653 babies, children and young people (under the age of 18) died – that’s 21 every day

Harry's Rainbow offer support, connection and resources to foster positive coping strategies for both children and their families through a range of services. These include Rainbow Groups; where participants find solace and learn invaluable tools in a nurturing environment, Short breaks at our Rainbow Retreat that foster connection and positive memories for families; plus Trips, Activities, Therapeutic Mentoring, Resources, Books and Memory boxes.

We would be honoured if you would like to support bereaved children in Milton Keynes and by donating at the check out on your race entry to the Festival of Running or choose to get sponsored for your running challenge. You can find us on JUST GIVING.

Last year at the Festival of Running, we had almost 100 people joining us to run and raise vital funds for Harry's Rainbow. We meet before and after at The Midsummer Tap, where refreshments will are provided for you and your family. If you would like to join Team Harry in 2025, then please contact Alison in our fundraising team on: fundraising@harrysrainbow.co.uk

We promise we have a lot of fun, whilst also giving bereaved children a brighter tomorrow!

YMCA MK takes young adults who have experienced homelessness and unemployment and works with them until they have a healthy sense of wellbeing, are in suitable accommodation and employment, and have developed the skills to sustain both.

Since 2017, Milton Keynes has been experiencing a crisis in youth homelessness with numbers reaching a record high. One in 117 people find themselves homeless in our city with over a third of these being under 25. Living in unstable or unsafe accommodation or, in worst cases, on the streets, is a reality for many of our residents. In a recent survey, over 50% of our residents had experienced family breakdown, many have been victims of abuse or violence, have been in the care system or experienced extreme poverty.

We moved into our brand-new building in March 2020 and the new building is now home to 226 young people. The 3-stage accommodation pathway offered by YMCA Milton Keynes is designed to support residents out of homelessness and into meaningful and sustainable employment. Residents have access to a Personal Development Coach and a range of activities to support them.

There are lots of ways you can support the next generation of Milton Keynes, by donating during the checkout process on your race entry to the Festival of Running or choose to get sponsored for your running challenge. You can find YMCA MK on Just Giving, Virgin Money Giving and Local Giving. You’ll receive your own fundraising expert to answer your questions and support your training plus lots more!

To join team YMCA MK call the fundraising team on 01908 295 600 or email at fundraising@mkymca.com and help change the life of a young person. For more information please visit: https://mkymca.com/.