Annette’s 10-20-30-40 Challenge
Help Annette Tackle the 10-20-30-40 Challenge!
Hi everyone, it’s Annette here, Jubilee Park’s Fundraising and Volunteer Coordinator. You might have spotted me bustling about the park in my hi-vis jacket, or perhaps we’ve shared a lane in the pool (apologies if you’ve had to overtake me… repeatedly). I’m writing this blog post to ask for your support with something that, frankly, would have had me in fits of laughter just ten months ago.
I’m taking on a 10-20-30-40 October Challenge for Jubilee Park, which means I’ll be swimming 10 miles, running 20 miles, walking 30 miles, and cycling 40 miles – all within the month of October.
Yes, you read that correctly. Me. The same person who, until January, hadn’t set foot in a gym for nearly 30 years and only went swimming on holiday (and even then, more floating than actual swimming, if I’m being honest).
When I started as the Fundraising and Volunteer Coordinator at Jubilee Park in January, calling me “unfit” would have been the understatement of the century. I was more likely to be found with a bag of Tangfastics than breaking a sweat. But magic happens when you work somewhere as special as Jubilee Park – it transforms you, often when you’re not even looking.
Fast forward ten months, and I’ve lost 20 pounds, become a pool regular (and met so many lovely pool people along the way), and I’m what you might generously call a “fledgling runner” in the gym. My running style is still more of a determined plod than a gazelle-like stride, but hey, we all start somewhere, don’t we?
So why am I putting myself through this torture? Because Jubilee Park isn’t just a park – it’s the heart of the Woodhall Spa community. This 10-acre patch delivers so much to our community, from regular fitness classes to community events, workshops, and more. It’s also home to Woodhall Spa’s only children’s playpark! It’s a place where people find new friends, smash their goals, and make memories that last a lifetime.
There’s a very big but, though – as a registered charity, we don’t receive any statutory funding. Every penny we raise goes directly back into maintaining and developing this amazing space for future generations. Right now, we’re particularly excited about raising funds to fit out our new Dome – a brilliant 12-metre indoor space where we can relocate our outdoor fitness classes when the weather’s being a bit too British, and deliver community events and workshops all year round.
The challenge ahead feels enormous (have I mentioned I’m 57, flat-footed and still working out what all the buttons on the treadmill do?), but with your support, I know I can push myself through this month of movement. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us bring new and exciting things to Jubilee Park, and maintain the incredible facilities that we have already.
Will you cheer me on as I huff and puff my way through October? Whether it’s a few pounds or just some encouraging words, your support means so much to me and to everyone who calls Jubilee Park their happy place.
Wish me luck – I have a feeling I’m going to need it!
With thanks and slightly wobbly knees,
Annette
To donate and follow my progress, please visit
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/annettes-challenge
