Lockdown was a difficult time for all of us. Sadly, this has been tragically worsened by domestic abuse which has seen a massive rise over the past year. Our chosen charity, Solace has suffered a surge in demand for their support services with more complex cases and deteriorating mental health ever increasing.

Now is the time for us all to act! Our Racing Against Violence Four Parks Challenge aims to get us all out, as together as is sensible, and raise funds for Solace and the amazing work they do supporting 27,000 survivors every year.

In support of Solace 40 campaign, the full challenge is to:

- Walk the 4 Royal Parks: St. James, Green, Hyde and Regents finishing at Primrose Hill

- At the finish in Primrose Hill we will have 4 stations for kickboxers' drills with Master Sensei Georges from the Martial Arts Place

If you don't feel up to the full challenge, don't worry, there are options to just do the walk, or just do the drills or for that matter just join us for a drink and a bite from 1 PM at the Queens Pub in Primrose Hill (49 Regent's Park Rd, London NW1 8XD, https://www.thequeensprimrosehill.co.uk/)

1. Purchase your EventBrite ticket here by buying an entry ticket for you and your group > https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/racing-against-violence-four-parks-challenge-for-tickets-220165750687

2. Set up your Fundraising Page by clicking on 'Start Fundraising', and setting your own goals.

3. Promote your page to family and friends

All registered participants are eligible to receive a pack of goodies. An email with more detailed instructions will be sent to all registered participants a few days before the event.

Registration will be from 9am on Saturday 29 January at the Costa Coffee on Villiers Street which is the back entrance of Embankment Tube Station (District/Circle line). The meeting point is convenient to reach as it is also downstairs from Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo line + National Rail) and across the pedestrian bridge from Waterloo Station (Bakerloo/Jubilee line + National Rail). A free tea/coffee will be provided to get you started.

We have space at the Queens Pub in Primrose Hill for a well earned warm drink and some food at the finish. The Pub will also serve as base for those of you who are joining for the drills sessions with Sensei Georges.

4 Parks Challenge on 29-Jan-2022. Schedule:

09:00 - Meet at Costa Coffee, Villiers Street, Embankment Station

10:00 - Walkers leave Costa Coffee for the 4 Parks Walk

14:00 - Expected arrival time at the Queens in Primrose Hill

15:00 - Kickboxer's drill stations in Primrose Hill

16:00 - Drills End and meet back at the Queen's for celebratory drinks

Solace supports over 27,000 survivors of sexual and domestic violence across London from prevention and crisis, to recovery and independence each year. They offer various services ranging from refuge accommodation, therapeutic services, Rape Crisis Hotline, advice & support, young people services, partnerships and training.

We'd love you to join us in supporting Solace to raise funds on this Solace40 initiative Four Parks Challenge.

If you can't join the challenge, please consider donating to this initiative via Give Now button on our JustGiving Fundraising page.

COVID SAFETY NOTICE: While participating in events held or sponsored by eCubed social distancing rules stipulated by the government at the time of the event must be practiced . If you develop symptoms within 14 days of the event, please contact the Solace organisers at fundraising@solacewomensaid.org and they will alert other members of your group.

Download our Spotify Playlist here showcasing our Rock Against Violence artists curated by Roadkill Records to keep you motivated during your challenge!