It's back, with a slight twist...

Spoons Neonatal charity brings you Challenge 79!

79 days, 79 people... supporting families with experience of neonatal care. Starting on 30th November 2025...

Choose your challenge and join the team!

Why the 79?

Now in its 6th year, the challenge was born out of adversity. When Shaun (now a Trustee of the charity) and Lauren (a dedicated Spoons volunteer), felt helpless after their twin daughters were born prematurely and admitted to the NICU. After receiving the devastating news that one of their girls needed open heart surgery, they found strength in community and positivity.

The 79 days represents the time spent in the hospital before their daughter could finally come home. Their struggle is over but for some families it is just beginning.

By joining the challenge or making a donation, you can make a difference for families experiencing neonatal care. Spoons provides parent peer support, and offers emotional and practical help for parents during their time in neonatal care, and in the community once they leave hospital.

Choose your challenge...

It's up to you what you choose as your challenge over the 79 days. Once called #Run79, this challenge started off asking participants to run every single day for at least 20 minutes, for 79 days. If running isn't for you, that's cool, pick something else - walking, swimming, skating, wheeling, lifting, writing, crafting, or you could give up chocolate/alcohol, or do an act of kindness every day... the choice is yours (it doesn't have to be physical). All we ask is that:

- It challenges you and pushes you beyond your comfort zone

- You take part every single day, for 79 days (or a number of days that challenges you)

- You raise vital funds to support families experiencing neonatal care.

We are hoping to recruit 79 people (more would be brilliant!) to take part this year, and to raise over £15,000. Please spread the word and help us get there!

To join #Team79:

1) Set up your personalised fundraising page (go to 'Start Fundraising) or complete our registration form (if you're not fundraising)

2) Raise or donate your first £30 and receive your Challenge 79 t-shirt and countdown calendar

3) Join the Challenge 79 community on Whatsapp, share your challenge with us and meet your fellow challengers

4) Get ready to kick off your challenge on 30th November...!

Let's Go Team 79!

Thank you!

From all at Spoons x