The Children’s Centre has a packed programme of fun events this year to raise vital funds for its charitable projects – with many of them ideal as a challenge for anyone starting the New Year with an aim to get fit. There’s a mix of events on and off-Island, and all proceeds go towards The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects Mobex, Out2Play, Child Contact Centre, Thriving Families, EPICentre, Community Development and the Community Farm which all help families and children across the Island.

Highlights on the charity’s fundraising calendar this year include the ‘Paws in the Plantation’ Canicross event (that’s cross-country jogging or running with your dog) on March 22. There are races for children aged seven and over, and for adults. Closing date for entries is March 18.

On October 10 there’s the Adventure Team Challenge for corporate teams of five with tests of physical and mental agility – think of it as an Isle of Man version of The Krypton Factor! The Children’s Centre’s ever-popular Race The Sun event – sponsored by MannMade – is on May 23. Teams of up to 10 runners take part in a relay race running a clockwise lap of the Radd ny Foillan coastal path, starting and finishing in Peel. Other great events include:

• June 28: The Knox House Trust Ltd Junior Triathlon.
• July 4: Mont Ventoux cycling challenge (ride the legendary Tour de France climb).
• July 24-27: Coast To Coast Cycling Challenge (140 mile ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth).
• July 18: Millennium Way Relay Race (26-mile relay running event).
• September 7-11: Suits On Bikes Week.
• September 27: Granite Mann Off-Road Triathlon (swim, bike and run at Cringle Plantation) – sponsored by PwC.
• November (exact date yet to be fixed): Sahara Desert Trek.

Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator at The Children’s Centre, said:

“The Children’s Centre has a great deal of experience in organising these activities, so everyone who takes part can be sure of having a great time. For off-Island challenges, such as the Mont Ventoux and Coast To Coast cycle ride, we provide full back-up so the participants can just focus on having fun and completing the challenge. As places are limited on many of our fundraising events it’s best to sign-up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Many other fundraising events are being organised throughout the year. Some are already fully-subscribed, while others have yet to be confirmed. For more details on all fundraising events go to http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/events/ or contact the fundraising team by phoning 676076 or emailing adventuremann@thechildrenscentre.org.im

Photo - Mont Ventoux – cycling to the top of the iconic Tour de France climb is one fundraising challenge organised by The Children’s Centre this year.