Icy plunge to kickstart a year of giving as The PFC Trust launches UChangeLives 2025 campaign with giant Ice Bucket challenge.

The PFC Trust is set to make a massive splash at the end of August by launching its annual UChangeLives campaign with a giant Ice Bucket Challenge on a Hartlepool beach.

This event on August 31 will mark the official start of 12 months of dedicated fundraising, aiming to significantly improve lives across the North-East.

This year's Ice Bucket Challenge promises a unique twist.

The charity’s founder and president, Frances Connolly, will face the initial torrent of icy North Sea water, when the honour of drenching her will go to the five highest bidders in an exclusive silent ‘bid-off’.

After that, as Frances attempts to dry off, members of the public, both young and old, will join in the chilly spectacle, taking their own icy plunge for a fantastic cause.

Local community groups have already rallied behind the initiative, with neuro-diverse charity Daisy Chain, grassroots football team FC Hartlepool and Hartlepool Carers all committing to putting in teams for the event.

The PFC Trust wants other groups and individuals to sign up before the big day to maximise the impact.

Frances said: “We wanted to kick off UChangeLives 2025 with something unforgettable and what better way than to bring the giant Ice Bucket Challenge back again – and soak me in the process!

“It's about bringing our community together for a fun, yet impactful, event that really highlights the incredible need in our area and inspires people to get involved from day one. Every single splash will translate into vital support for those who need it most.”

The Ice Bucket Challenge is just the first wave in a month packed with fundraising activities. Throughout September, the UChangeLives campaign will see various events designed to engage the community and raise crucial funds.

Nine determined runners will represent The PFC Trust in this year’s iconic Great North Run on Tyneside, taking on the half marathon challenge just days after the launch.

On September 10, golf enthusiasts will tee off at the second UChangeLives charity golf day at Seaton Carew Golf Club, an event proudly run jointly with the North-East STEM Foundation.

Further opportunities to contribute include a dedicated Swim Challenge, while Hartlepool gym Evolve has partnered with the charity on a 50/50 split basis for their three-day annual charity event offering a fitness-focused way to support the cause.

Other groups and businesses are warmly invited to join the fundraising efforts.

“The momentum we build in September is crucial for the entire year of UChangeLives,” Frances said. “From the gruelling Great North Run to a fun-filled competitive golf day and our exciting swim challenge, there’s something for everyone to get involved with.

“It’s about igniting that collective spirit of giving and showing how, together, we can genuinely change lives right here in Hartlepool and across the North-East.”

*Those wishing to sign up to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge can find details on The PFC Trust’s event page https://www.thepfctrust.org/annual-events. For the opportunity to bid to soak Frances Connolly, the Gala bidding page is here https://app.galabid.com/ice-bucket-bidoff