A massive THANK YOU to Ben Sutton and a group of university students who cycled more than 200 miles to support us!
Ben was part of a group of seven medical students who left their base at Keele University at 11pm on Friday 17 May, en route to Snowdon and completed the first part of the journey – 110 miles – by 11am the next morning.
Following a rest they then travelled back the next day – completing another 110 miles – to raise awareness and vital funds for our charity.
It’s the second time organiser of the challenge, Ben (pictured far right), has chosen to support our charity. In 2023 he completed a series of challenges throughout one week, which included sleeping rough for several nights, taking part in a dodgeball tournament and cycling up and down Keele Hill, in Newcastle-under-Lyme for 24 hours.
The first challenge raised more than a thousand pounds for our vital work to tackle furniture poverty, homelessness and social exclusion across North Staffordshire. For the latest challenge, the students initially set a target to raise £500 via the fundraiser, and to date the amount so far raised (29/05/24), is £1,000.
“We see the effects of homelessness”
Ben said about this year’s challenge: “Emmaus North Staffs do great work in the area, but there is still an ongoing problem with homelessness and poverty and if we can help to raise even more awareness then we will do what we can.
“As a medical student and being around hospitals we see the affects of homelessness first hand and I’d like to do what I can to help.
“The main motivator on this challenge was the fact that, as medical students, we see the effects of homelessness on both mental and physical health all the time. It seems to be quite common both in Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme, so we thought it would be good to try and help.”
When asked if Ben would be taking on another challenge he said: “We are not sure what challenge will be dreamt up for next year – but there definitely will be one.”
Brilliant support
John Webbe, Executive Lead at Emmaus North Staffs, said: “Ben did incredible last year helping to raise awareness for our charity and when he contacted us again to say what he was doing this year it was amazing.
“To have continued support from Ben and his friends is just brilliant and all helps. Furniture poverty is an issue in the area and no-one should be without the essentials to have comfort in their own homes and we aim to eradicate this where we can.”
For more details about the Showdon challenge and to make a donation to Ben and his team, visit his Go Fund Me page.
Our charity partners with local councils and housing associations to offer free items to over 850 households without access to essential furniture and appliances. Our large store is located in the Potteries Centre and we also have a Home & Furniture Charity Emporium, in Etruria. Both are open to the public six days a week.