From rowing to running and inline skating: Our 2016 fundraising heroes

As the year draws to an end, we'd like to raise a toast to all of our amazing supporters who went the extra mile for us in 2016!  

Our supporters ran, cycled, trekked and swam, organised charity auctions, curry nights, bake sales and busked to raise funds for our programmes that help children worldwide. It was a tough selection to make, but we've selected a few of our favourites from throughout the year that we hope will give you inspiration for 2017. 

Rowing 3,000 miles

Rowing the Atlantic Ocean is an achievement we are hugely proud of, likewise beating two world records feels pretty awesome but being an inspiration to others, now that feels incredible 

Gee, Row Like a Girl

We continue to be in 'oar' of four amazing young women who in January rowed 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Row Like a Girl became the youngest and fastest ever team to make this crossing, smashing perceptions of 'like a girl' along the way.     

Trekking through highlands

The trip to Vietnam with Plan has given me a greater insight into how Plan can contribute to enhancing all children’s choices and potential 

Kate, Vietnam Trek participant 

In March, we led supporters on a trek and project visit in Vietnam. After eight days trekking through spectacular misty mountain tops and paddy fields, the group spent time visiting our projects and the communities we work with. It was an unforgettable experience.

Running 497.8 miles

In April, we were there to cheer on our team in one of the world's greatest running events - the Virgin Money London Marathon. Together our runners ran 497.8 miles and raised over £32,000 to help girls and children worldwide to realise their rights.   

Smashing stereotypes

This summer, our supporters put themselves outside of their comfort zones and challenged stereotypes of what it means to be a girl.

Sabine spent two months training before anxiously stepping into the ring for a boxing match in June. In August, engineer Hanna conquered the excruciating London Triathlon.

Women worldwide are fighting for equality, to live without pain and fear and suffering on a daily basis - this made boxing feel pretty insignificant in comparison

Sabine, Team Plan 

Together, Sabine and Hanna raised almost £3,000 to help girls around the world to realise their potential too.  

Schools getting creative

Our school supporters from across the UK organised swimathons, fancy dress runs, sponsored walks and Strictly Come Dancing events, all to help support their peers around the world. 

This year, we were especially impressed by the students and staff at Ingrams Hall, Shrewsbury School. They embarked on a year of fundraising activities including a charity car wash, art sale, film nights and charity collections at football matches before brave pupils conquered the 3 Peaks Challenge and took on a skydive. 

Their fundraising efforts were led by teacher Mr Wright who trekked through the Andes to Machu Picchu. Together they raised £7,316 for children living in poverty.

Skating and running across Europe

In the autumn, our runners competed in events across Europe, including the Berlin Marathon and Great North Run. 

Sponsor Orlando decided to complete his 26.2 miles on skates, going the distance in the Berlin Inline Skating Marathon in September.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is always one of our favourite events of the year. In October, 35 runners – including our volunteer Jan and her daughter Georgia, as well as Jess from our Major Partnerships team – completed the course in the glorious autumnal sunshine. 

Thank you!

A huge thank you to everyone who took on a challenge, organised a fundraising event, supported us through their school or at work. Your support means so much to the girls and boys we work with and we think that you're all amazing. 

Feeling inspired? There are so many ways that you can get involved and help raise funds for communities we work with. Whatever your talent or hobby we'd love you to be a part of Team Plan in 2017. Find out how you can get involved and start raising funds for us today.