Support Us 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: Alex and Katie Bootiful Soles Team Caz Alex and Katie Alex and Katie Dolman donated £4,455 + GiftAid which totals £556,875 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 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: 2 March 2023 Manage Cookie Preferences