Ben from the Hunchman Trust shares about their motivation behind raising thousands for Winston’s Wish!
It all started in May 2023 with The Hunchman 500. Me, Charlie and Chester decided to raise money for mental health by organising a unique challenge. The plan was to run 250km from our family home in Surrey to where Dad’s ashes are spread in the Quantocks in Somerset, and then cycle 250km back again… all within 7 days! Initially raising funds for Movember, the event gained traction online, and we decided to create The Hunchman Trust to make it more than a one-time event.
Sadly, an injury prevented me from participating myself, but that did allow me to join the support team, including Chester’s sisters and friend, Charlie. The whole week was unforgettable. The sun was shining, there was a lot of pain, a few too many drinks, and everyone had a great time with a big celebration at the end. Due to the success of The Hunchman 500 challenge, we started the process of registering as a grant giving charity. We partner with like-minded charities and organisations to create initiatives and offer grants to support kids who are grieving the loss of a loved one, especially those affected by suicide.
We went on to fundraise specifically for Winston’s Wish by taking on another challenge. Two of my friends from university cycled from London the Paris ‘The Hunchman Way’ (longest way possible), attempting to cover 434km in under 24 hours! They raised £7000 directly for Winston’s Wish.
This wasn’t your typical London to Paris cycle. We opted for the toughest route imaginable, making it difficult to truly convey the magnitude of our challenge with the Hunchman. Absolutely mad from start to finish is one way of looking at it. Brutal and relentless is another one – from the training regime to the beers at the end.
Cycling for 26 hours through the night took it completely out of us. We underestimated the struggles such as the mist and hills in Northern France which led to sweats and shivers every ten minutes, repeated until sunrise. Thankfully, the support from the Hunchman – and food stops – kept us powered through. Absolutely fantastic cause, and all worth it in the end. No better feeling than celebrating under the Arc de Triomphe. The challenge has blessed us with lifelong memories and bonds between the team and support crew.
William More & Arthur Banks, The Hunchman Trust
We founded the Hunchman Trust in November 2023, after securing 3 more close trusted friends as trustees, to support young people grieving the loss of a loved one, and especially those affected by suicide. Our mission is to ensure no one feels left behind, providing support through fundraising events and collaborations with other charities.
Once registered, we were able to set up our grant giving process. This took several months but once approved we were able to make our first grant of £20,000 to Winston’s Wish.
We have more money to grant as well as more fundraising coming up. One of our trustees and close family friend is taking on a double marathon, where 26 people will run two marathons over 2 days at the end of July! We’ve also scheduled our biannual black-tie gala dinner is scheduled for November 2nd at our Dad’s old school, featuring a three-course meal and fundraising activities.
On the topic of gruelling challenges or the norm, you decide… we are officially two months out from RunHunchmanRun a concept created by Billy Maddock and Charlie Steen who challenged themselves whilst inebriated (we assume) to running two marathons in as many days. With this being the Hunchman and the community we have created, our friends and family members simply wouldn’t let these two suffer by themselves and they will now be joined by another 23 runners!
The Hunchman Trust
The Hunchman Trust, born from a personal loss, is dedicated to supporting young people dealing with grief. Through ambitious physical challenges and community support, we aim to provide the same network of care that helped us cope.
For more information or to let us know about a likeminded cause to support, visit our website www.hunchmantrust.co.uk.
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