Legacy and vital funds raised from the 60 for 60 physical challenge
An inspiring physical challenge has come to a successful end, raising an amazing £21,094 for The PFC Trust and leaving a legacy for the community. Following an action-packed week of sporting events, organisers have officially launched Addicted to Sport. This new, free digital platform, created in partnership with Teesside University and Tees Valley Sport, is designed to help everyone find and enjoy local physical activities by connecting them with free taster sessions.
The platform is the proud legacy of the ’60 for 60 Challenge - a fun and ambitious fundraiser created to celebrate Frances Connolly’s 60th birthday. It saw seven athletes take on seven different sporting events across seven days, covering a combined distance of 60 miles to raise money for The PFC Trust, a charity founded by Frances to help change people’s lives. Athlete Keith Hutchinson said: “The support we received was truly humbling. A huge thank you to our headline sponsor, NXTGEN Coaching, and to every sponsor, business and individual who backed us. “There were some incredibly tough moments, but knowing how many people were behind us made a massive difference. To finish the challenge and raise £21,094 for the PFC Trust is something everyone involved should be very proud of.” The week featured some brilliant performances.
George Craggs ran the 400m in 51.7 seconds, Keith clocked 1:59.80 in the 800m, and Zander Gribbon finished a 5K in 15:41.Also turning in great times were Joseph Wilson with a 30:57 10K, Adam Brooks completing a 58K cycle in 1 hour and 28 minutes, Jacob Brown finishing a 1-mile swim in 19:58, and Max Creasey completing the Great North Run in 1 hour and 7 minutes. While the challenge featured very strong athletes, its main goal is to make sport welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Activity providers can register and promote their sessions on the Addicted to Sport platform entirely for free. People can then easily browse the site to find free, zero-pressure taster sessions, giving them a chance to try a fun new hobby without any commitment.
Paul Hewitson, a key organiser of the initiative who also ran the Great North Run for the challenge, said: “We wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to try something new.“It’s completely free for providers to register and promote their activity, and the sessions are there to give people a taster of something they might never have tried before.“Hopefully it will give more young people, in particular, the chance to get involved in an activity they might not ordinarily have had the opportunity to experience.”The success of the 60 for 60 Challenge relied on a network of sponsors, local businesses and supporters who rallied behind the athletes every step of the way. Every penny raised will go back into community initiatives and to help people through The PFC Trust’s grant funding process.
Kelly Brooks, operations and fundraising manager at The PFC Trust, said: “The 60 for 60 was a fantastic way to celebrate Frances’ 60th birthday and everything she has done to support communities across our region.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the athletes, sponsors and everyone who got behind the challenge. To raise more than £21,000 is an amazing result, and that money will now go straight back into supporting people and organisations through The PFC Trust grant funding.
“The launch of Addicted to Sport also means the challenge leaves a lasting legacy, which makes it even more special.”
And Keith said: “The 60 for 60 showcased some incredible performances, but sport isn’t just for elite athletes - it’s for everyone.“If this challenge can inspire more people to try a sport, get active or discover something they enjoy, then that becomes a fantastic legacy and we are delighted that the money raised will go into helping others too.”
*To find a free activity, or to register as a provider, please visit addictedtosport.co.uk or check out thepfctrust.org for further details on the charity.
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