Congratulations and thank you to our winter fundraisers

Dozens of fundraisers have been busy over the winter raising thousands of pounds for CUF’s work strengthening communities.

Some signed up to our Advent challenge to walk 90 miles by Christmas Eve, while others braved the elements and slept out under the stars.

Alastair from Norfolk hit the 90-mile target walking in his home county, and raised £500 for CUF. He told us that serving people in need through his sponsored walks answers his own need. He added: “I chose CUF because I want to help people rediscover their sense of hope and community.”

One nine-year-old girl (pictured) walked 152 miles with her mum and raised £110, including £38 from her brother’s pocket money. She said she enjoyed walking with a purpose. She added: “I liked the fresh air, and getting to spend special time with my mum doing something together.”

Meanwhile, a group of 38 teachers and pupils from St Mary’s CE Primary School in Finchley in north London did a sleepout in December, raising a stunning £2,000.

And a team of four adults from Royston, Hertfordshire (also above), headed to their local churchyard to sleep rough for the seventh Christmas running, and raised more than £6,300. The Royston Rough Sleepers have raised over £30,000 for CUF over the last seven years. Andrew says his team “wants to make a difference by helping those who are trying to escape the misery and despair of homelessness.”