Our first ever Sparkle Steps raises over £12,500!

Beth Bauer • May 25, 2021

We are delighted to say that our first ever Sparkle Steps event raised an enormous £12,500 as part of our ‘Spring in your Step’ challenge, more than doubling its original £5,000 target.

The fundraiser, which took place from 11th – 20th March, saw participants running, walking, cycling and even using scooters to help raise money and support vulnerable children in Malawi.

Individuals were required to reach ten miles in ten days as part of the campaign, but many chose to extend this, including former Kingstonian FC player Adam ‘Thommo’ Thompson who opted to run and cycle 100 miles in 10 days. As part of his monumental efforts, Thommo raised an incredible £2,100 for Sparkle.


Thommo commented: “The Kingstonian Football Club has long established links with Sparkle Malawi and it was an absolute delight to take part in the Sparkle Steps challenge to raise much needed funds. Over the 10 days, I met up with several former Kingstonian players en route, all socially distanced of course! I can’t thank those who have supported me on this journey enough – I’m truly humbled by everyone’s generosity.”


Matching the efforts of Thommo is seven-year-old Ralph Rowley from Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire, and who raised an incredible £2,000 by walking a mile every day. He opted to support The Sparkle Foundation as part of his Beavers personal challenge award, fitting in his walks before and after school, even doing so one day in his pyjamas following World Book Day.


Sarah Brook, Founder and CEO at The Sparkle Foundation, said: “I would like to personally thank both Thommo and Ralph and all our supporters for their outstanding efforts to raise funds for The Sparkle Foundation. For us, the Spring in your Step challenge was about bringing individuals closer to nature and closer together emotionally, given the tremendous circumstances we’ve all experienced over the past year.


“It was a delight to see all those who participated truly going the extra mile for Sparkle. From walking, running, cycling and swimming to skateboarding, using a scooter and more, everyone who participated will make a real difference to vulnerable children in Malawi. After such a difficult year, we are so proud of the efforts everyone, whether participant or donor, has made to help The Sparkle Foundation. Thank you!”

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