It’s been a tough start to 2021 with lockdown three in full effect, but don’t let staying in get you down. Reinvigorate your new year fitness goals by signing up for a brand new virtual fundraising challenge with Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity.
Run, walk, cycle (or take part in any other exercise or activity) as you travel virtually to the Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll visit some of the most awe-inspiring sites across the globe, while helping local children and families who need your support, now more than ever.
After having to cancel all its major fundraising events last year, Julia’s House has made sure its latest physical fundraiser is 100% lockdown-friendly, in order to combat the devastating effect the pandemic has had on its funding – the charity relies on public donations and support for 95 per cent of the income required to run its vital service.
Take a trip round the world
Select your favourite destination or challenge yourself to see all Seven Wonders – an ultra 883-mile global fitness adventure. These incredible landmarks are located in places that the children cared for by Julia’s House can only ever imagine visiting, but you can take them on a journey around the world with you as you travel from Delhi to see the Taj Mahal, marvel at the Great Wall of China, see the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, or go to the Mexican archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Then travel onwards to gaze in wonder at the Colosseum in Rome, visit the rose city of Petra in Jordan or voyage to Peru to see the 15th century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Keep up your motivation and compete with friends or colleagues by connecting your challenge with your Fitbit, Apple watch or fitness app to track your progress. Go exploring along the way with Google Street View, whether it’s a virtual cocktail on Copacabana beach or a moment of sunrise solitude at the Taj Mahal. Distances range from 40 to 265 miles and you can cover them how and when you want – a great way to stay motivated and keep your fitness levels up during lockdown.
Each challenge is priced at £12.99 and includes access to the mobile app and a collectable medal on completion. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive special access to the mobile app – then all you need to do is pick your start date and choose how many weeks you want to set as your goal to complete the challenge. You can fundraise along the way or make a personal donation instead of fundraising.
Find out more and sign up at www.juliashouse.org/seven-wonders
Get active post-lockdown
While nobody knows how long lockdown three will be in place, Julia’s House hopes that restrictions will ease later in the year. Some of the charity’s favourite challenge events are back for 2021 to get you moving when it’s possible to all get together again:
Hike for your Hospice, 10-12 September
A collection of nine of the very best walking routes across Dorset and Wiltshire, with options to exhilarate every level of hiker. All walks start and finish at a country pub where you can celebrate your achievements.
The Big Jump, 24 April
Throw yourself into the challenge of a tandem skydive, jumping from 13,000 feet above the Army Parachute Association in Netheravon, near Salisbury.
The Big Ride, 10 October
Upsize your cycling experience as you wind your way through some of the finest countryside in Dorset and Wiltshire. Choose from three circular routes starting and finishing at Horton and Chalbury Village Hall near Wimborne.
Everest Base Camp, 13-29 November
Join a bucket-list adventure, hiking to base camp at the foot of Mount Everest. You’ll spend sixteen days trekking to the summit of Kalapatar before exploring the vibrant capital of Kathmandu. Book risk-free with ATOL protection and guaranteed money-back if the trek gets cancelled.
More information on all of our fundraising events can be found at www.juliashouse.org/events