The Nelson Trust is a registered UK charity (Charity No. 1056672) providing trauma‑informed, holistic recovery services for people affected by substance misuse and multiple unmet needs, including domestic abuse, trauma, and criminal justice system involvement, across the South West of England and Wales.

After the success of their Pen y Fan fundraising challenge last year, the team at Cardiff Women’s Centre are daring to take on three ultra fundraisers over the course of the next three months in an effort to raise vital funds for their weekly lunch and breakfast clubs, as well as food parcels and wellbeing events for the women they support across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

On average, our Cardiff Women’s Centre welcomes up to 20 women for their weekly lunch and breakfast clubs, as well as food parcels for clients to take home and the opportunity make a snack or meal using the on-site kitchen where needed. Meeting the demand for this can cost £50 to £60 a week, that’s £2,600 to £3,120 a year with costs surpassing that during the festive period. The teams' target for their three challenges this year is £1,000, but we hope to see the amount increasing as time goes on.

For their first challenge in August, they’ll be covering the distance between Cardiff Women’s Centre near the city centre, to our very first residential treatment centre in Stroud, Nelson House, on an exercise bike at the centre. Every member of the team has signed up to take it in turns to make the 69.8 mile journey in just 3 work days, as well as some eager clients offering to take part.

Before ending with a mysterious third and final challenge in October, the team are switching their trainers for hiking boots and waterproofs for their second challenge in September, the scenic Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons.

Unfortunately, many women we support in Wales experience serious challenges such as homelessness, poverty and unsafe living conditions due to domestic abuse, unsteady accommodation and trauma.

Women’s Centre Manager, Roxanne Kirsch shared this moving message about the success of fundraising last year and the importance of giving:

“After the success of our Pen Y Fan challenge last year, and the amazing opportunities the women were given due to the money raised, we have decided to take on a trio of challenges to raise funds for cooking clubs, lunch and breakfast clubs and events at the Cardiff Women’s Centre. We are so grateful for the support we received and continue to receive. We were completely blown away by the generous donations last year.”

Not only do these clubs ensure no woman goes hungry, but they also offer the chance of connection:

“Watching the women come together for meals, cooking together and enjoying events really does make a huge difference. Being able to provide food when a women is in need is so important - but we can only continue to do that with the support of others.

The clubs and events allow women to build connections, learn new skills and feel part of something, where many women often say they feel alone.”

One client followed Roxanne’s message with:

“What the team does for us is so inspiring - they go above and beyond. Last year was brilliant and I had such a good day out at Christmas time because of the money the public gave. We are so grateful. Can you believe the team climbed a mountain - for us!”

The teams first challenge begins on Tuesday 4th August, be sure to get your donations in now and help them exceed their £1,000 target.

We are forever grateful for your continued support.

Visit www.nelsontrust.com or fundraising@nelsontrust.com to find out more or get help with your fundraising