Alvaro’s Fundraising Story

Alvaro has been supporting us over the last few years taking on incredible fundraising challenges including the ‘Live Slow – Ride Far’ cycle tour, a 400km off-road cycle through the Jurassic Coast, the New Forest, the Isle of Wight and the South Downs with his 2 year old daughter in tow, the Three Big Rounds, running up Britain’s toughest mountain summits: Paddy Buckley, Charlie Ramsey & Bob Graham, 100km distance and a whopping elevation of 8,500m each, to his latest challenge this year, ‘Mama, I’m Running Home’, running from Bristol to Madrid (560 miles) while pulling a trailer.

“When people ask why I keep choosing to raise money for The Maypole Project, the answer is actually quite simple.

I first came across The Maypole Project through a previous job, where I volunteered to help with one of their Christmas campaigns. At the time, I had only become a parent six months earlier, so learning about the incredible work they do for children with complex medical needs and their families really struck a chord with me. Seeing the support they provide, not just for the children but for the whole family, had a profound impact on me.

Over the following months, I continued helping out at local sporting events, meeting more of the team and hearing more about the difference they make every single day. It didn’t take long before I realised, I need to use my challenges to support them.

I’ve been involved in extreme sports for as long as I can remember, and over the years those adventures have evolved into endurance and long-distance challenges. I’ve always believed that if I’m going to push myself physically and mentally, I should try to make it count for something bigger than myself. I’ve supported several charities over the years, but for the last three or four years, The Maypole Project has become the charity I naturally think of whenever I take on a new challenge.

I’ve had the privilege of hearing first-hand stories from families who have been supported by The Maypole Project. Reading and listening to their experiences fills me with admiration for the work the charity does. I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like to navigate life as a parent of a child with complex medical needs, but knowing that organisations like The Maypole Project are there to offer practical help, emotional support and guidance for as long as families need it is incredibly reassuring. If my challenges can play even a small part in helping that continue, then every mile is worthwhile.

My latest challenge was running from Bristol to Madrid while pulling a 30kg child’s trailer attached to my waist. Covering 500 miles in 10 days, I crossed mountain passes, battled not one but two heatwaves, and experienced some of the toughest physical and mental moments I’ve ever faced.

What surprised me most was how, during those long hours on the road, the trailer began to take on a much deeper meaning. It became a reminder of the invisible weight that so many parents carry every single day when caring for a child with complex medical needs. They don’t get to put that weight down. They keep going because they have to.

That thought stayed with me throughout the challenge. Whenever things became difficult – and they certainly did – it reminded me why I was there. It gave every step a purpose far greater than simply reaching Madrid.

I can’t thank everyone at The Maypole Project for everything they do. Their dedication, compassion and unwavering support for children and families is truly inspiring. It genuinely makes me smile knowing there are people who devote their lives to making such a meaningful difference to others.

If my challenges can help raise awareness, inspire someone else to take on their own challenge, or simply raise a little more money to support the incredible work of The Maypole Project, then every blister, every hill, and every difficult mile has been worth it.”