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Why support Forget Me Not?

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice supports children with life-shortening conditions and their families in West Yorkshire.

By providing superb nursing care, hydrotherapy, music therapy, days out, memory making, end of life care, bereavement support and counselling, we help families make the most of every moment they have together.

But we can only do that with your support. It costs over £8,000 to run our children’s hospice for just 24 hours. But we receive only £800 of that from the government or NHS. That’s why we rely on our local community to help us raise the funds we need, every day.

How

“Fundraisers are a vital lifeline to Forget Me Not, raising money that goes directly to supporting local children and families.”

SaraOur Midwife

you

can make a difference

Each challenge has a minimum sponsorship amount we’d love you to raise. By meeting (or beating) that, you’ll help children and families get the support they need.

Raise £100 and you could pay for two music therapy sessions for a child, a chance to express their fears, get creative and build self esteem.

Raise £450 and you could pay for a Hospice at Home session, where we take all our care and support to the home of a family who can’t get to the hospice.

Raise £1250 and you could fund an overnight stay at our hospice for a child, so that everyone in the family can get a good night’s sleep.

Poppy’s story

Diagnosed with ventriculomegaly, a condition where the brain ventricles are enlarged due to the build-up of fluid, before she was born, Poppy was not expected to survive the pregnancy. But Poppy is a very determined little girl, mum Laura says. “I could feel her kicking, her kicks were so strong they took my breath away at times.”

Poppy was born by caesarean section in 2018. But the outlook wasn’t good, so the family took a brave decision. “When she was born, we made her an organ donor straight away because if we were going to lose her, she could give other kids a life. We thought, if we can do that then it’s not been a waste of her struggle, her fight.”

It was at this point that they were introduced to Forget Me Not. “As soon as I heard the word ‘hospice’, my mind went straight to loads of beds filled with people who are poorly. So I was like, I’m not sure if I want to go there. But when I came here I just felt so relaxed, it had such a calm feeling. It’s strange but, knowing we had the support from Forget Me Not, just put the thought in my mind – ‘do you know what, we can do this’.”

Now 6 years old, Poppy has continued to fight. She had a shunt fitted at just two days old –

this drains fluid out of her brain and into her stomach. She has epilepsy, hypermobility and global development delay.

She has to be watched constantly in case of a seizure or her shunt failing. Which it did in 2021. Only Laura and Richard’s quick actions saved her life. “I’ve never been more scared in my life. I thought we were going to lose her.”

“And that could happen anytimewhich is terrifying. I can’t rest. The only time I rest is when she comes for respite at Russell House. Because she’s surrounded by people who know exactly how to deal with her, they’ve seen everything. And that’s a massive weight off my mind. And I can finally sleep.”

How does taking part in an event or challenge help?

People take part in events and challenges for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps you want to test your stamina, speed or courage this year, or to create an exciting memory to look back on. Maybe you want to do something fun and a bit different with your friends and family. Or you’d like to fundraise in memory of a loved one.

Whatever your motivation, by taking part in one of our events and challenges you’re doing something truly magical.

The money you raise through sponsorship enables us to provide vital services that aren’t available anywhere else, helping to ensure that no family faces the loss of their child alone.

And by sharing our story with everyone you know, you’re helping to raise awareness about the importance of the work we do, which in turn inspires others to take action and builds a strong community of support for our children’s hospice.

So whether you take part in one of our events like the Dragon Boat Race or Colour Run, or take on a challenge like the Hadrian’s Wall Trek or Paw-get Me Not Tail Trail, you’re making a huge impact on lives of the local children and families we support.

Events

14th Jun

Colour Run

Our popular Colour Run is back for 2025! This fun family-friendly event is always a huge hit with everyone who takes part as they walk, run or skip through clouds of colour! So, whether you’ve participated before or this is your first time, make sure you secure your place so you can join in all the colourful action.

There are two routes to choose from on the day3km or 5km.

Don’t forget to bring along friends and family to cheer you on – we’ll have food, refreshments, facepainting and lots of great entertainment on our main stage this year, for everyone to enjoy.

How to join in

Adult - £20

Child - £12

(3-16 yrs)

Under 3 - free

Family - £60 (2 adult 2 child)

Tickets for our 2025 Colour Run can be bought online (see our website for details). Please note: if your team includes children under 3, you’ll still need to book their place.

Kindly sponsored by

Greenhead Park, Huddersfield

20th Sept

“You work as a team, face a physical challenge, and have great fun. Most importantly, it makes a positive impact.”

Sarah - GWP Architecture

Pugneys Country Park, Wakefield

Dragon Boat Race

Team - £350

Sponsorship£1000

Kindly sponsored by

Part of a group of friends, a sports club, a team of work colleagues, or a family? Ready to unleash your inner dragon?

These high-energy, exciting races are held over a 200m course in crews of around 17 members (1 drummer and 16 paddlers in each boat).

No previous dragon boat racing experience is required! But crew members need to be at least 12 years of age and able to swim 50 metres.

How to join in

To compete in the dragon boat race, email us at events@forgetmenotchild.co.uk. Spectators can just turn up on the day to cheer on the teams.

30th Nov

Christmas Fayre

Getting the festive season off to a cracking start this November is our Christmas Fayre at Russell House!

You can enjoy browsing a variety of stalls selling a range of gifts - the perfect place to find something unique.

There’ll also be plenty of festive hot food and drinks available so you can warm up and get in the Christmas mood.

And of course there’s Santa’s grotto for the kids, as well as entertainment from our choir and brass band all afternoon, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Russell House, Huddersfield

Adult - £2

Child - free (0-16 yrs)

How to join in

This event is open to all, no booking necessary! For information about hosting a stall at the fayre, email events@forgetmenotchild.co.uk.

Challenges

NEW for 2025/26

London to Paris cycle 23rd July 2025

Saddle up for the most picturesque cycle challenge of the calendar! Leaving from London and finishing in Paris, you’ll pass through the beautiful English countryside and some of the most significant sites in northern France. This is a fully guided challenge, which covers 311 miles over 4 days.

Hadrian’s Wall

27th June 2025

Take an adventure through history! Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll be camping for 3 nights along the route on this incredible 2 day, 25 mile challenge. The walk starts at Lanercost Priory in Cumbria, and finishing at the Roman ruins of the Temple of Mithras, taking in some of the most breath-taking scenery England has to offer.

Total Warrior

21st June 2025

Taking place at Bramham Park, Leeds, this event is sure to get your adrenaline pumping! Conquer 25 gruelling obstacles including FIRE, ICE and MUD, and battle through the infamous Human BBQ and take the Leap of Faith.We have places in both the Junior Warrior and 12k Warrior - places are limited so get in quick!

Inca Trail

5th June 2026

Join the trek on Peru’s majestic Inca Trail, passing through the Sun Gate and conquering one of the seven wonders of the world - Machu Picchu! Test yourself on 3 high mountain passes, and take in the breath-taking views across the Andes on this fully guided 5 day challenge.

Hit the skies!

Calling all thrill-seekers - have we got challenges for you! Take a heart-pounding walk on the wing of a plane high above the Yorkshire countryside, or view it from 15,000ft by doing a skydive!

We have various dates throughout 2025 for both of these challenges, but places go quickly so make sure you don’t hang about.

These are serious bucket list must-dos, so why not get your adrenaline pumping and get signed up for the experience of a lifetime?

These certainly aren’t for the faint-hearted, so there are some guidelines you’ll need to meet in order to take part, which you can read about on the individual events listings.

“I completed a wingwalk as I wanted to help raise vital funds for the charity. It was a great challenge to take part in!”

Chris M.

Fear factor

Wingwalk Leeds, West Yorkshire

Skydive Hibaldstow, Lincolnshire

How to join in

Check out the available dates at www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/events

Yorkshire Three Peaks

A real test of stamina and endurance, the Yorkshire Three Peaks trek is perfect for individuals or groupsso whether you’re going solo or with friends, family or colleagues, it’s a great way to fundraise.

Passing through the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales on this gruelling 24.5 mile walk, you’ll conquer the summits of Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside, ascending some 5200 feet in the process!

This is a fully organised walk with various dates throughout 2025, with mountain leaders, a safety support vehicle and water top-ups en route.

Minimum age: 12 years

North Yorkshire

£45 registration fee

£400 minimum sponsorship

Check out dates and availability at www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/events

Ribblesdale,

Virtual challenges

Looking for a fun, flexible way to support Forget Me Not? Our virtual challenges are the perfect opportunity to raise funds and awareness, all from the comfort of your own home or community. Check out our events page on our website for new challenges as they’re added throughout the year!

What is a virtual challenge?

A virtual challenge allows you to participate in a fundraising activity at your own pace, wherever you are. Whether it’s a fitness goal, a creative project, or a scavenger hunt, it’s ideal for fitting around your own schedule. Simply choose your challenge, set your target fundraising amount and share it with your friends, family and colleagues!

Squat To It Challenge

Improve your fitness and flexibility while fundraising with this highly flexible challenge. Complete 100 squats a day for a month to fundraise for Forget Me Not - do them all in one go or break them up into sets throughout the daywhatever works for you!

Pawget-Me-Not Tail Trail

Calling all four-legged fundraisers! Set your own goals for your daily walkies. Get your human involved and raise funds for Forget Me Not by getting out and about - you can even earn yourself a fantastic doggy bandana and medal by hitting fundraising targets!

All year round Extra Mile Trial

This virtual challenge fits around you. You can sign up to do the Extra Mile Trial any month of the year, so whether you prefer trekking in the summer or want to get out and enjoy a stroll in autumn leaves, you can still set yourself the target of a mile a day! If you hit fundraising targets, you can earn yourself a Forget Me Not t-shirt and medal!

See our virtual challenges

Running challenges

Whether you’ve got a personal best to smash or you’re finding your feet, we’ve got a running challenge to suit you! Try your hand at your first 10K or up your game to a full marathon - whatever your distance, now’s the time to lace up your trainers and get moving!

Leeds Half Marathon

Free to sign up / £400 minimum sponsorship

Sunday 11th May 2025

Leeds Marathon

Free to sign up / £500 minimum sponsorship

Sunday 11th May 2025

Leeds 10k

Free to sign up / £250 minimum sponsorship

Sunday 15th June 2025

Great North Run

Free to sign up / £400 minimum sponsorship

Sunday 7th September 2025

Fundraiser stories

Every hill climbed, every mile run, every fear conquered is a personal victory for those with the grit and determination to take on daring feats to raise money for Forget Me Not. And the motivation often runs deep.

Helena decided to take to the air because: “after visiting Russell House, I knew I wanted to do something to help raise money for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. A skydive was something I’d always wanted to do, and to be able to raise money for Forget Me Not was brilliant. The care and support they provide for children and their families is just incredible!”

Ellie’s inspiration to do the Leeds Half Marathon was very close to her heart.

“My brother was stillborn in 2021 and it affected my family massively. We think of Baby Joey every day, and that’s exactly what got me through the half marathon. Knowing I have helped families like ours was all the motivation I needed!”

Whatever your reason for wanting to take on a Forget Me Not challenge, we’re here to support you - every step (or jump) of the way!

See more stories on our social media forgetmenotchildrenshospice forgetmenotchild forget-me-not-childrens-hospice

Helena

Got another challenge in mind?

If you want to fundraise for Forget Me Not but these challenges aren’t right for you, why not organise your own?

You might decide to use one of your skills or talents to raise money, such as organising a football tournament, a bake-off, or even a karaoke night. What about your own virtual challenge? Whatever ideas you have, you can have loads of fun while raising funds for local children and families!

Big or small, from coffee afternoons to epic assault courses, every penny you raise counts and makes a lifetime of difference to the children and families we support.

Whatever you choose to do, we’re here to support you. Get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to give you everything you need to make your event a success!

“

There were moments when we certainly didn’t think we’d do it but we’d push ourselves on, we wanted to do it for the charity and for each other.

“

Want to volunteer?

We’re always looking for people to help out at events and we have a range of different roles to suit everyone. Whether you want to help us promote the event, or be there on the day as part of the Forget Me Not team making sure everything runs smoothly, we’d love to have you on board!

Get in touch with us at events@forgetmenotchild.co.uk to find out more.