Why we’re Stepping Up for Young Carers ❤️

This June, Destination Boro and Boro Runners(and hopefully more running clubs across the Tees Valley!) are taking on the Step Up for Young Carers challenge to support The Junction and the incredible young carers across the Tees Valley. We are dedicating our parkrunathon 2026 event to this appeal and as a team we will commit to run 250 miles on that day! Our parkunathon event is to take on 10 local parkrun courses in one day - 31 miles per runner if all are completed.

Young carers are children and young people who look after a parent, sibling or loved one who is ill, disabled, struggling with addiction or mental health. Many spend an average of 25 hours every week caring - on top of school, homework and growing up.

That means less time to relax, see friends, or just be a child.

The Junction works with young carers to give them what they so often miss out on:

Short breaks and respite

Time with other young carers who understand

Fun activities and emotional support

A break from responsibility

The running community are stepping up in June to help make sure young carers don’t have to cope alone.

Every donation, big or small, helps give a young carer time to breathe, laugh, and feel supported.

Thank you so much for your support.