GUNG-HO! begins its UK tour in Heaton Park on 30 April and BBC Children in Need is encouraging fun-seeking fundraisers to run, walk or giggle their way through ten crazy inflatables as part of Team Pudsey. A race like no other, expect gigantic ball pits, super-sized slides and a 5,000 square foot inflatable moon walk. Couch potatoes and fitness fanatics alike will enjoy the unique course, and those that pledge sponsorship ahead of the event will receive a discounted £30 ticket as well as surprise goodies on the day.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro-athlete or first time runner
Following its Manchester launch, Gung-Ho! (Chinese for ‘work together’, later used by the US army as a spirited battle cry) will visit eleven towns and cities throughout spring and summer - including Southampton, Leeds and Cardiff in May; Brands Hatch, Edinburgh and Sandwell Valley in June; and Newcastle, Milton Keynes and Liverpool in July - before finishing in London on 10 September.
Jonathan Rigby, Director of Marketing at BBC Children in Need, said: “We’re so excited to be launching the first ever Gung Ho! for BBC Children in Need right here in Manchester. It’s a fun new way for supporters to challenge themselves all while raising money for charity. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro-athlete or first time runner, we can’t wait to see you there!”
Gung-Ho! co-founder and former CBeebies presenter, Alex Winters, added: “We’re so happy to have BBC Children in Need on board as exclusive national charity partner. Whether people participate as part of a group or individually, these events are all about having fun. By encouraging people to pledge their sponsorship to charity though, we’ll be helping people do good whilst they’re at it.”
BBC Children in Need currently supports some 2,400 projects helping disadvantaged children across the UK. Within Greater Manchester, 94 projects at over £4.5m are working to benefit young lives in the region; including those affected by illness, disability, poverty or abuse. The charity awards grants at seven points during the year, with more funding to be pledged later in 2016.
To take part in Gung Ho!, sign up here