Charity puts in extra effort for Silver Jubilee

In 2008 Wooden Spoon celebrates its 25th anniversary and to commemorate the milestone the national charity is planning a series of extra special fundraising events - the Spoon Challenges - to underline its commitment to helping mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children, young adults and their families.

For canoeing enthusiasts the event to sign up to is the Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge, a regular fixture in the outdoor event calendar since it was established in1996.  This unique English triathlon takes place on Friday, May 16, when teams of three people, supported by their team driver, will canoe the length of Lake Windermere (10.5 miles), cycle 26 miles over Wrynose and Hard Knott - England's steepest passes with 1,200 ft ascents and 1:3 gradients - and scale the country's highest peak, the mighty Scafell Pike (3,208 ft).  

Their objective is to complete all three elements of the Challenge consecutively in less than 12 hours but, most importantly, each team commits to raising £4,400 for Wooden Spoon.

In 2007 the Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge set a new record.  With a total of £134,709.79, the average sum raised per team reached an all time high of £6,735.  In 2008 Spoon has even higher hopes for a record-breaking event, as team registrations are already into double figures.

Ford Motor Company is a huge supporter of Wooden Spoon and will supply vehicles for use by the teams during the week before the Challenge as well as during the event itself - just as it has every year since 1996.  Teams also receive a set of Challenge clothing, have the use of a canoe, paddles and buoyancy aids and enjoy a two-night stay plus celebratory post-event dinner at the Langdale Hotel and Country Club.  

Keen cyclists who don't want to take to the water are sure to be inspired by the End 2 End Challenge, which takes place from Saturday, August 23 to Saturday, August 30.  Up to 30 people are expected to cycle the 882 miles from John O'Groats to Lands End as they each bid to raise £2,500 to support Wooden Spoon's work.  This is the first time the marathon bike ride has been staged since ten reasonably fit, but very enthusiastic individuals took to the roads back in 2000, and Wooden Spoon hopes many more will take up the Challenge to see Britain as never before.

Further details on the 2008 Spoon Challenges are available at www.spoonchallenges.com

Alternatively, contact the Wooden Spoon Challenge Office on 01889 582889 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for more information and entry forms.