Hi everyone,

I’ve signed up to take part in the Bakewell Inflatable challenge on Saturday 12th September 2026 to raise money for Chesterfield Foodbank, a charity that is incredibly close to my heart.

Firstly, I should mention: I am not an outdoors girl, so this is way out of my comfort zone!

Secondly, many people already know that I work for the foodbank; however, this fundraiser is something I am doing in a personal capacity because I truly believe in the work being carried out and the difference it makes to local people facing hardship.

Like many charities, the foodbank is facing significant financial pressures and fundraising has never been more important. Every £1 donated will be genuinely valued and appreciated, helping to support local people who are struggling financially and facing difficult circumstances.

Every week, I see first-hand the reality of what many individuals and families in the community are going through. Behind every emergency food parcel is a real person and their family, someone worrying about how to feed their children, keep the heating on, manage rising bills, cope with illness, bereavement, debt, mental health struggles, and unexpected life changes.

I'm inspired daily by the kindness, compassion and generosity shown by foodbank volunteers, supporters and the wider community. The foodbank is about so much more than food. It is about people feeling listened to, supported and cared for during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Another huge part of what makes the foodbank so special is the incredible network of organisations, services and community groups connected with it. Through the foodbank's support hubs and partnerships, people can access early help, advice and onward support for things like debt, benefits, housing, wellbeing, mental health, energy bills, employment and much more. Organisations that work together to genuinely help people have the "bigger picture" in mind - something I'm passionate about supporting.

To me, this inflatable obstacle event symbolises some of the hurdles and challenges faced by many local people every day. While this event will last just a few hours and hopefully involve plenty of fun and laughter along the way, many people in our community are facing much tougher obstacles in their daily lives.

Fortunately I have managed to rope in my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and nieces to take part too, so we’ll be doing our best to complete this obstacle challenge between us, bouncing, climbing, sliding, crawling and no doubt falling over together in the hope of raising as much money as possible for a very important cause!

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference and will go directly to Chesterfield Foodbank to help provide emergency food, essential items, and wider support for local people in crisis.

Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and kindness. It truly means the world.

Jacq x

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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