On 11th of May, we're sending Katie and Joel on a 10-hour challenge; Race Across Oxfordshire!

Others have already been inspired by BBC's Race Across the World - like Race Across the County in Cornwall - so we're very excited to be competing in Oxfordshire's first race. While we're aiming to win, this is all in order to raise vital funds for Homeless Oxfordshire, the organisation and brains behind this race.

Over the last years, even more households are homelessness in England, a 1.4% increase since last year, and 21% increase since 2020. However, Oxford’s homelessness is diverging from the national picture. While number of those in danger of becoming homeless in London and across England were down in the last year (4.5% and 10.4% respectively), Oxford's rate doubled. This homelessness threat is partly due to the fact that Oxford has the highest average rent outside of London alongside a lack of local social housing or temporary accommodation.

That's why Homeless Oxfordshire desperately needs funding - they're currently the largest provider of accommodation to those experiencing homelessness across in Oxfordshire. They go beyond temporary accommodation, they provide myriad services, from 24/7 support at their 51-bed O’Hanlon House in Oxford, to reigniting old hobbies and activities like cooking and painting. This month in fact, they have opened their first women's house, which was only made possible by vital funding from partners - one of which was Fit for Purpose - Philosophy’s forerunner. However key fundraising events - like this race, are also a critical part of being able to continue running services such as this.

Which is why we are really proud to be able to continue our focus and support for eradicating homelessness and rough sleeping across Oxfordshire with this exciting challenge.

So if you’re able to help us reach our fundraising goal for Homeless Oxfordshire, donate here; Katie and Joel won't let us down!