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  • Fundraising stories
  1. Support Us
  2. Fundraising

Fundraising stories

We are grateful for all the fundraising activities from our supporters for Bipolar UK. Here's a collection of stories to inspire you when you're planning your next fundraising endeavour.

On this page:

Team Caz swim

Alisha skydiving

Will and the London Marathon

Simon Pole to Pole Challenge

Alex and Katie

Bootiful Soles

Team Caz run

If you'd like more information about how to get involved in fundraising activities for Bipolar UK, visit our events page and download our Fundraising Pack


Team Caz swim

Team Caz swam and raised £900

On 25 August 2023, around 30 of Caroline Hinchliffe’s friends and family took part in our Pole to Pole challenge to raise funds and awareness in Caroline’s name. Their aim was to swim 800 lengths (9.6km) but the enthusiasm was so great they swam 1000 lengths (12.5km) instead!

Swimmers from 1 to 72 got involved, with a special mention to 12-year old Flo who swam an impressive 100 lengths. 

The team raised about £900 for this event. You can support Team Caz’s incredible fundraising efforts here


Alisha skydiving

Alisha skydived for Bipolar UK and raised £520

'Skydiving has always been on my bucket list, so when an opportunity from work hit my inbox to raise money for Bipolar UK- I just couldn’t say no. My advice to anyone if you get the opportunity to skydive-say yes! Not only have I had a once in a lifetime experience, but I’ve also managed to raise over £500 for an amazing charity.'

Will and the London Marathon

Will ran the London Marathon for Bipolar UK and raised £821

'I’ve lived with bipolar since my late teens and like many went without a firm diagnosis for some years. I’ve been running for 15 years or so and have found it to be an invaluable way of managing my health – in particular creating time for myself to think and reflect, burn off excess energy, or conversely gain a sense of achievement and a mental reset when I’m feeling low.  I’ve previously raised money for other mental health charities, but I discovered Bipolar UK through the excellent annual conference this year and was really impressed by the ethos and practical support offered by the charity.'

CEO Simon Pole to Pole challenge

Bipolar UK's CEO, Simon Kitchen walks 9.5km along Hadrian's Wall to launch the Pole to Pole challenge.

In Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Bipolar UK's CEO Simon Kitchen launched the Pole to Pole challenge by walking 9.5km along Hadrian's Wall to represent the average number of years it takes for someone to get a diagnosis of bipolar.

See how you can get involved and join Bipolar UK and Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland in our epic collective challenge to run, walk, cycle, scoot or paddle 20,004km - the distance from the North to South Pole.

Together, let's get outside and get active while raising awareness and much-needed funds for Bipolar UK. You can sign up as an individual or as a local team/club. Every single km will help us achieve this monumental challenge. Do it your way! And collectively, let's get to 20,004km by 30 March 2024 - next World Bipolar Day.

Alex and Katie

Alex and Katie Dolman donated £4,455 + GiftAid which totals £5,568.75 when they asked their wedding guests to donate to Bipolar UK instead of giving a gift.

'We wanted to do something that would mean a lot to my mother, Clare, and to thank her for all the support she has given us over the years. Due to her unwavering advocacy for the charity and for people who have been through the same experiences she had, a charitable donation via our wedding fund would not only provide financial support but also raise awareness of such a great organisation.' Alex

Alex is the son of former Bipolar UK Chair, Dr Clare Dolman


Bootiful Soles

Blackpool Peer Support Group created a wonderful fundraising challenge, Bootiful Soles, during the pandemic and raised £1134 for Bipolar UK.

'Throughout the pandemic the Blackpool Peer Support Group worked as a team to support each other through the challenges of lockdown. Together through friendship, understanding, tears and laughter we adapted to a community online with regular Zoom groups and the bipolar eCommunity.' Member of Blackpool Peer Support Group

Thankful for their bipolar community during the Covid-19 pandemic, the facilitators of Bipolar UK’s Blackpool Peer Support Group, Lou and Andy, created a fun, fundraising challenge. The aim was to reduce isolation, get active outdoors and motivate the group to raise money for Bipolar UK as the charity means so much to them.

They created a ‘virtual Pan American Highway Walk’ challenge, crossing through Alaska, Canada, Mexico and South America. Every single step counted towards the goal of 15,039 miles – everything from walking the dog on the beach and shopping, to extra steps around the house.

Two years and two months later, after collectively walking 35,292,320 steps, the group of nine finally completed their epic challenge. They also surpassed their fundraising target by 161%, raising a fantastic £1134 for Bipolar UK.

'Being part of this walk has been a great experience. Contributing steps every day and working as part of a team to do this makes me feel like I'm achieving a greater good. It has motivated me to walk more and exercise more which helps my mental health. I feel very fortunate to be part of this walk and this support group.' Steffi – Bootiful Soles walker


Team Caz run

Team Caz ran the Brighton Marathon in honour of their late friend and family member, Caroline Hinchliffe, who lived with bipolar. Brighton held special memories for them all and they were motivated to complete the challenge knowing that the funds they raised would help others affected by bipolar as Caroline had been.

The team were not only committed to training, they also wanted to raise as much money as possible. They did this by amplifying their message through JustGiving and social media and hosting a fundraising event for family and friends after the run. Team Caz got in touch with the team at Bipolar UK who were there to support them all the way – from providing t-shirts, resources and moral support to sharing their story on social media.

Through their dedication and determination, Team Caz managed to raise more than £10,000. Many of the team are now taking on individual fundraising activities and supporting the charity in other ways.

'Bipolar UK helped us all find some light in the darkness left by our amazing friend Caroline’s tragic death. Bipolar UK was totally on board with our marathon plans from the start, and guided us every step of the way on our fundraising journey. Crossing the marathon finish line in our Bipolar UK vests with Caroline’s name on the back was one of the proudest achievements of all our lives, a completely unforgettable experience'. Team Caz


Last updated: 13 September 2023

Published: 9th February, 2023

Updated: 13th September, 2023

Author: Renee Arceo

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