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Healthcare professionalsThere are so many ways you can get involved and support Chestnut Tree House
Whatever your event there’s a way for you to help raise valuable funds - cycling, walking, skydiving, have a browse, get inspired and get in touch
Chestnut Tree House depends on over 1000 volunteers who help in the hospice, in our charity shops and at our fundraising events
Whether you are taking part in an organised event or putting on your own we can help you make it a success
Find out how your business or company can help raise money and support our charity
Sunday 11 October will see the return of Hit the Downs MTB, whether you are taking on the cool 30km or epic 80km route, here is everything you will need to get ready for the big day!
Following the government’s announcement regarding new restrictions around social distancing, we wanted to confirm that Hit the Downs is still planning to go ahead on Sunday 11 October.
We’re working closely with our event partners to look at how these new restrictions effect the event and what additional safety measures we’ll be putting in place on the day, based both on guidance from the government and British Cycling.
We’ll be updating the Hit webpage and directly to all our riders this week on the additional safety measures. Thank you for your continued support.
With Hit on the horizon, now is the time to get some miles under your saddle. Whether you’re new to cycling, not cycled for a while, or are an occasional cyclist these training plans are perfect for you.
As you would before starting any new exercise regime, be sure to seek medical advice from your doctor, particularly if you’ve not ridden for a while.
It’s important to remember to drink and eat at regular intervals during training (drink before you’re thirsty, eat before you’re hungry). Always carry refreshments with you.
As well as a bike suitable for riding long distances off-road, you’ll also need suitable clothing for the conditions and some lights if riding after dark or in shade. Plus, a well-fitting helmet.
Make sure your tyres are pumped up to the correct pressure before each ride. You’ll find the recommended pressure on the side of your tyres, so best to get a pump with a gauge.
Always take a spare tube, puncture kit, and a pump with you on your rides.
Any time spent on your bike will help you get fitter and improve your skills but try to do as much of your training off-road as possible. Riding off-road takes twice as much effort as on road (but the views are often nicer!).
Remember, cycling on bridleways is allowed, cycling on footpaths is not. Not sure what track you’re on? If you come to a style where you have to lift your bike over a fence you’re on a footpath.
Hills – there’s no shame in walking up the hills. If you’re climbing speed has dropped to walking pace just hop off the bike and save your energy.
When you’re training make a note of how far you get up a particular hill before you have to get off, then watch over the weeks as you reach higher and higher each time.
Find your full 30km training plan here.
Find your full 80km training plan here.
If you need inspiration West Sussex County Council have a nifty little online cycle route planning tool here: http://cyclejourneyplanner.westsussex.gov.uk/
If you don’t have much experience of fundraising, now is the best time to start.
You don’t need any previous experience to do it, and do it well.
You set your own target – give yourself a goal to work towards – make sure it is one that will challenge you, but not give you sleepless nights. How far can you go?
You can do it on your phone – there are lots of ways to ask without even asking, from sharing a link to your JustGiving page in your email signature, to doing a birthday fundraiser on Facebook or why not send a text to every person in your address book?
Top tip: Sweepstakes are a quick and easy way to get people donating with minimum effort, and gives you an excuse to start talking about your challenge. Whether it’s the six Nations, FA cup or Grand National, you’ll find something for everyone.
Who do you know? – Your friends, family and colleagues is a great place to start asking for donations. This could be via a group chat, email, and social media or in person. Why not always carry your sponsor form with you to collect that loose change.
Make it easy to donate – the simpler you can make it for people, the more likely they are to donate. JustGiving is a very simple place to donate, and one your friends might already be familiar with. Put the link to your page everywhere you can think of – your email signature, at the bottom of a text, on Facebook or Twitter.
This is your chance to tell the world why you are taking part, the more you share about your experience, the more those visiting your page will connect with your challenge and will go on to support you.
If you would like any extra help and support with your fundraising please just get in touch – we are happy to help!
Litter is anything from a crisp packet or cigarette butt to a bag of rubbish. All litter is unsightly and makes our local areas look untidy and uncared for. Common litter items include fast-food packaging, sweet wrappers, drinks cans, bottles and cigarette butts.
Litter does not clean itself away. It can take years to degrade, causing harm to wildlife and habitats. Food people drop – whether it is half-eaten burgers, chips or apple cores – can attract pigeons and vermin such as rats.
Please do not litter. Use a bin for your rubbish and if you cannot find a bin, take your litter home with you.
Dropping litter is illegal. People who drop litter can be fined or face prosecution in court. Authorised officers have the power to issue a fixed penalty charge of up to £80 for a litter offence, as an alternative to prosecution. If the offender is prosecuted and convicted in court, the fine could rise to £2,500.
If you see accumulations of litter in a public place, report it to your local authority. Be specific about location, type and the amount of litter. Some local authorities have litter ‘hotlines’. If your council does not have a special number to call, litter reports are usually dealt with by cleansing, environmental health or technical services departments.
Learn more on the Keep Britain Tidy website.