A team from JT Atkinson has completed a 226km coast-to-coast triathlon, to raise funds for children living without a bed of their own.
Made up of colleagues, friends, customers, and suppliers, the team pushed through two intense days of cycling, swimming, and running from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, battling steep climbs, rough terrain, and relentless weather conditions. Despite the heavy rain and gusting winds, every member of the team crossed the finish line with a smile.
The challenge was all in support of Zarach, a children’s charity working to end child bed poverty in the UK. The team set out to raise £10,000, enough to provide dozens of brand-new bed bundles to children who would otherwise be sleeping on floors, sofas, or makeshift bedding.
The triathlon kicked off at 7:30am on Saturday 13th September. Day 1 saw the team cycle 50km to Keswick, swim 1.5km at Hawesend, and then cycle a further 111km to Hexham. Day 2 included a 90km cycle to Newcastle followed by a 10km run along Hadrian’s Path to the finish line at Tynemouth Castle.
The inspiration behind the challenge came from JT Atkinson’s Managing Director Jamie Atkinson, who was first introduced to Zarach during a visit to a local primary school. There, he met a young boy who explained that he and his siblings took turns sleeping on a cushion. The three children shared a two-seater sofa, two with cushions, and the third lying on bare springs. The child was suffering from bedbug bites and sores.
“Sadly, his story is far from unique,” said Atkinson. “Across the UK, nearly 900,000 children don’t have a bed of their own. A good night’s sleep is vital for their health, wellbeing, and education.”
Zarach provides full “bed bundles” that include a bed, mattress, bedding, and pyjamas, all delivered directly to families via school referrals. With the charity expanding its reach into Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley, this fundraising effort will have a direct impact on children in the local community.
Ellie McGrath, Head of Fundraising at Zarach, said: “Their coast-to-coast triathlon is a fantastic way to raise both money and awareness. With our new service in Middlesbrough, the impact will be felt directly in the local community.”
The coast-to-coast challenge is part of a wider campaign across JT Atkinson branches, including in-store raffles and fundraising events. With support from customers, suppliers, and the local community, the business is edging closer to its £10,000 target.
“This was a challenge” added Atkinson. “But it’s nothing compared to what too many children in the UK deal with every single night. The support we’ve had from our team, suppliers, and customers has been great, and we’re proud to be making a real difference.”
