In September, Caroline spent five days trekking sections of the Great Wall of China, tackling steep climbs, thousands of steps, scorching heat and more spiders than she would have liked, all while raising money and awareness for Stripey Stork.

From creative fundraising events to gruelling training and unforgettable days on the Wall, Caroline threw herself into the challenge. Here, she tells us about the journey, the people she met along the way and why choosing a small, local charity felt so important to her.

What inspired you to take on the Great Wall of China challenge, and why did you choose to walk for Stripey Stork?

My story started a year ago, getting back on my feet after major surgery. I had just turned 50 and was at a time of life when I wanted an adventure but also something that would give me a goal for my personal fitness.

I’d been inspired by another charity trek to the Great Wall of China, and the idea of taking on something so far outside my everyday life really appealed to me. It felt like the perfect combination of adventure, personal challenge and having something exciting to work towards. So, I started looking into the options and came across the trek organised by Charity Challenge. It seemed like a great opportunity to turn my idea into reality. Once I’d signed up, I had something definite to work towards and a very exciting adventure ahead!

I’ve had a connection with Stripey Stork from its early days and I’ve known Nicola for a long time. When Nicola was starting up, I was working with NCT and running the Nearly New Sales, so I could pass on excess stock that sellers hadn’t taken away. Over the years I’ve continued to donate things when my own children have outgrown them. I’ve seen all the campaigns and the impact that they have made to thousands of children and I knew how important and needed Stripey Stork was in the local area.

It was important to me to choose a local charity so that I, and my supporters, could really see the difference we were making in our community. When I was fundraising, I felt it was easier for people to connect with something local. I felt it was such a good fit and it felt so right.

You put a lot of thought into your fundraising. What did you get up to?

I had great fun with the fundraising. The Hungarian dinner party was great and the fire and smoke event was lovely because my husband did most of the cooking.

One of my favourites was a fair I did at a local school. I’d been crocheting little knitted creatures because I thought I could sell them alongside my jams and chutneys to raise money. I had no idea that it would be the animals that would almost go viral! Children were buying them, showing their friends and then coming back so they could all buy one.

What I loved was that at these events I didn’t always know who I was talking to: someone who needs help, someone who has had help or someone who can donate and support. At stalls and events, so many different people would come up and say, ‘I know Stripey Stork. I’ve donated to them’ or ‘My friend volunteers for Stripey Stork.’ I was also sometimes able to share how to access support and help from Stripey Stork. That was special and reminded me why I was doing this.

How did you prepare for five days of trekking on the Great Wall of China?

My initial target was simply to get fit and get moving. After Christmas I got brave and went back to a ballet class I hadn’t attended for ten years and then I went to Park Run, which was brilliant and inclusive as you can walk as well as run. A friend who volunteers as a tail walker encouraged me and walked with me. The first time I did it, it took me 59 minutes so I knew I had some work to do. I kept at it and I was really encouraged when I realised that by Easter I was ahead of the training scheduled that Charity Challenge had sent me. The next thing I needed to do was some resistance training. I didn’t even know what that meant so had to ask my friends. I’d never done anything related to fitness or even set foot near a gym! Because I work at a local secondary school with a fitness suite, I asked whether staff could use it for free, and they said yes. I did a lot of elliptical cross-training and leg work and I also built up my back so I could carry a rucksack. We weren’t going to be carrying all our belongings – those were transported from place to place but we would need to carry a small pack with all our water, lunch and any extra clothing.

What was it like when you finally arrived in China and saw the Great Wall?

When I arrived in China, it felt quite daunting because I’d never been before. The closest I’d been was Hong Kong, around 17 or 18 years earlier. Charity Challenge were brilliant at hand-holding us through everything which made it all seem so much easier. I remember sitting on the bus and feeling a bit like a rabbit in headlights.

When we first saw the Great Wall, it was so exciting. I’d never seen anything like it. We had been staying in a commuter town outside Beijing, then drove into the foothills and saw the structures around Badaling. We weren’t going to the busy tourist section of the wall so it was much quieter.

Which part of the trek was the biggest challenge and which was your favourite?

Day two was definitely the hardest. It was very hot, and we were dropped beside a road with wooded slopes. We went straight into the woodland, up a really steep dirt path through scrub and debris that clearly hadn’t been walked for days. There were spiders and webs everywhere. Our guide, Peter, used his pole to break down cobwebs. It felt a bit like walking through Mirkwood from The Hobbit, with big spiders everywhere and I really hate spiders!

Added to that it was so physical. We scrambled over uneven ground and through close scrub. Once we reached the ridge we followed the line of the old Wall between watchtowers sometimes climbing over big rocks. At one point, Peter even hauled me up by the back of my rucksack because I have short legs and not much upper-body strength. It was incredibly tough. The best bit about that day was the group’s support. It made the difficult bits so much easier. We couldn’t always see each other, but we could hear voices encouraging us. That camaraderie got us through and we were rewarded with spectacular views from the top.

My favourite day was day three, the furthest we walked. We started at a part of the Wall called Gubeikou, which was broken in places but where you could still clearly see the Wall. It was lovely walking on the dirt, and as we climbed up from a fort in a valley, we began to get incredible views on either side.

When we reached the Jinshanling section, it was everything you could imagine as the picture-postcard Great Wall of China. It felt like being in a movie. It was unrestored but very well preserved, and absolutely stunning.

The woods became greener, the light turned golden, and every few minutes we stopped to say how incredible it was. These were real ‘pinch me’ moments.

How did Stripey Stork support you throughout the challenge?

The support from Stripey Stork was lovely from start to finish. When I said what I was going to do and that I’d love to do it for them, the enthusiasm and gratitude from the team was amazing.

They provided leaflets, a fundraising pot and a t-shirt, so I was clearly badged and equipped to talk about the work they do. At one event there was a banner that I took. All those things helped people understand why I was doing it and engage with me and ultimately make a donation.

On the trek, having the Stripey Stork chick and t-shirt was fantastic. Nobody could miss me in bright orange! It was a great talking point and gave me an opportunity to talk about who I was fundraising for which led to some lovely donations from fellow trekkers. What was really nice was the personal touch. They gave me two envelopes to open each day with words of gratitude and encouragement. It really meant a lot. Sometimes there were tough moments, especially when the legs hurt but reading the messages and knowing how much it meant to the team back home kept me going.

What did you take away from the experience?

At the end of the five days I was absolutely thrilled, but it was bittersweet coming off the Wall for the last time. It had been such an amazing experience and I was going to miss it. The group was a really important part of my whole experience. There were 17 of us, and everybody was walking with a purpose. Lots of people had really important stories and experiences, which was so inspiring.

This experience has given me a taste of China and I definitely think I’ll go back. I really loved it; it was fascinating, although I’ve only scratched the surface by visiting the Great Wall and spending one day in Beijing. There is so much more to explore.

As for trekking, I don’t think I’m finished. I wouldn’t undertake something as big as this again too soon because it took a lot of effort and my legs are still recovering. Maybe the foothills of The Himalayas as that looks stunning and I would love to experience that with my husband.

Do you have any words for those who supported you?

I’m grateful to every person who donated, supported me, encouraged me, kept me going or walked with me. The friends who helped with my fitness journey and women who inspired me all helped me to be brave and take on something I never thought I would be capable of. I hit 50 and decided to do something big and adventurous, so I hope I inspire other people.

If you have been inspired by Caroline and want to take on your own challenge to raise money for Stripey Stork then visit our website or email our team challenge@stripeystork.org.uk, we’d love to hear from you.

The post Walking the Great Wall of China for Stripey Stork: Caroline’s Story appeared first on Stripey Stork.

Sunday 20^th September 2026 marked 13 years of Run Reigate, which coincidentally began the same year as Stripey Stork, and we’ve been delighted to support the event since the very beginning. It’s a local community event like no other and it just happens to be on our doorstep. How lucky are we.

This year, we were proud to be one of the charity partners once again, standing alongside other fantastic local causes in the Events Village.

It’s a sight to behold, seeing splashes of orange all over Priory Park. Our adult runners happily represent us in their bright orange T-shirts, while our young runners can be spotted a mile away in their Stripey Stork baseball caps. We’re always grateful when supporters choose to put their energy into running and fundraising for us, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve collectively achieved.

Fundraising total

£10,428

* Total fundraising (including Gift Aid, excluding race fees & costs). Updated 19/10/26

Team Stork runners

Our individual champions: Bal (Half Marathon – HM), Ben (10k), Chris (HM), David (5k), Freddie (10k), Holly (HM), Jackie (10k), Jacob (10k), Jodie (10k), Kev (5k), Louise (10k), Matthew (5k), Megan (10k), Natalie (5k), Sam (10k)

Team Unum: Adam (10k), Chloe (5k), Lilly (5k), Lyndsey (10k), Momen (HM)

Telus Health: Hannah (10k)

The Celtic Contractors Family: Jon (HM), Orla (child), Ruairi (10k), Saoirse (child), Simon (10k)

Our young stars: Beatrice (Reception/Y1), Izzy (Y2), Millie (Y4), Milo (Y5), Polly (Y3), Rosa (Y4), Tom (Y4)

A strong start

As part of our charity partnership, we were invited to attend one of Run Reigate’s summer training sessions in Priory Park. It gave us the opportunity to share what we do and explain how fundraising makes a real difference to the families we support.

Following the session, we were pleased to welcome Ben to Team Stork. As a teacher in the area we cover, he understands the essential service we provide.

A warm welcome

Run Reigate 2026 began early as we welcomed runners at the Just Car Park in central Reigate. Visitors were invited to make a suggested donation of £5 to park for the day.

Thank you to Just and RunForCharity for giving us this opportunity.

Our little orange home for the day

We were excited to unveil our new Stripey Stork gazebo, funded through Cllr. Rebecca Paul’s contribution from Surrey County Council’s ‘Your Councillor Community Fund’. A huge thank you goes to Shona Gow for her first-class graphic design skills.

Our stall was a hive of activity throughout the day with runners, friends and family, supporters and volunteers. Children flocked to the prize-every-time teddy tombola, eager to give one of our soft toys a new home. Rainbow glitter stripes became this year’s trademark design for anyone wanting their face painted. Not forgetting our winner’s podium, which is always a hit with visitors keen to strike a pose.

Sam and Jackie did it again

Never ones to disappoint, this year Sam and Jackie brought a little bit of Springfield to Reigate.

Marge Simpson met Stripey Stork in a wonderfully unique combination that worked perfectly. Their towering turquoise beehive wigs could be spotted from the other side of town. In fact, we even had to frame some of our photographs vertically to avoid cropping them out. Completing the look were giant beaded necklaces and stripey handbags, still clutched tightly as they crossed the finish line.

Cowabunga, ladies! Your outfits were as impressive as your fundraising efforts, doubling an already ambitious fundraising target.

What a fabulous day that was! It’s a privilege to be able to do the run and that people are still sponsoring us – it’s all down to those fabulous costumes Sam makes.

– Jackie, 10k –

Our corporate runners

Sometimes our corporate volunteers feel inspired to take on a fundraising challenge after seeing our work first-hand. Run Reigate provides the perfect opportunity, offering a range of distances to suit all abilities while also bringing colleagues together through training and fundraising.

The Whyte family are a brilliant example of this. Every year, without fail, they run for Stripey Stork. Their well-established local business, Celtic Contractors, is truly a family affair, with even their children getting involved.

Run Reigate wouldn’t be the same without them. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support and for sharing their fundraising page so enthusiastically with friends, family and business contacts. A special mention goes to the team at Overbury for their generous donations to the Celtic fundraising page.

Even though our three-year partnership with Unum is in its final year, the love and support for Stripey Stork lives on. They never let us down and once again assembled an enthusiastic and athletic team of runners, with some wonderful new faces joining the team this year. Special thanks goes to Adam and Lilly, who have keenly signed up to take part in Run Reigate during each year of our three-year partnership. Together with nine of their unum colleagues they have run over 200 kilometres across the three-years and raised thousands of pounds to support our service.

We were also delighted to welcome Hannah from Telus Health, who smashed her 10k personal best by an impressive 8 minutes.

Goody bags full of appreciation

We like to make signing up for Run Reigate as easy as possible, which is why we offer to collect our runners’ race packs ahead of race day.

Thanks to Drew at Simply Sports for preparing Team Stork’s race packs, allowing us to continue providing such extra special touches.

Runners are invited to collect their goody bag from our Reigate warehouse the week leading up to race day, giving them the opportunity to see the breadth and scale of our service and understand how their fundraising helps local families.

Inside each goody bag is our signature orange Team Stork running T-shirt, or baseball cap for our younger runners. Thank you to Russell at Headspace in Reigate for another fantastic print job.

No goody bag would be complete without some well-earned treats. We are grateful to Lactalis for generously donating protein shakes in a variety of delicious flavours to help keep our runners refreshed. They provided enough supplies for us to offer some as giveaways on our stall, which proved especially popular on such a warm sunny day.

Our appreciation doesn’t stop there. Every runner receives a handwritten congratulations certificate, a small keepsake to recognise what their support means to us.

Special shout-outs

Another big cheer goes to Freddie and Jacob for completing the 10k. We first got to know them through their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering, and it turns out their drive to go for gold doesn’t stop there. They’ve both done brilliantly, on and off the track, and we couldn’t be prouder. Freddie’s mum is also one of our valued referral partners, so he has a real understanding of the need for our service. It was lovely to see him being cheered on by his biggest fan from the sidelines.

We would also like to thank our incredible staff and volunteers, whose hard work helped ensure the day ran smoothly from start to finish. Whether setting up before sunrise, running the car park, manning the teddy tombola, cheering runners or helping pack away at the end of the day, every contribution made a difference. Thank you to Alison, Ann, Charlotte, Chris (our amazing van driver), Hazel, Jayne, Kai, Kathryn, Keith, Aunty Marg, Millie, the Newburn family, Rowena, Nicola, Sara, Sarah and Susy.

We are grateful to Candice, our Account Executive at RunForCharity, for all her support in helping us get the most out of our charity partnership.

Finally, thank you to the wonderful team at RunThrough for organising such a fantastic community event and giving local charities like ours the chance to raise vital funds.

We appreciated the warm welcome and hosting from the stall. Glad we could support your charity. It was lovely to see the others running in orange as well. Some lovely encouragement towards the end of the run from both race and Stripey volunteers was much appreciated.

– David, 5k –

Feeling Inspired?

We’re ready for you, flags and all!

Whether you’re taking on your first 5k or aiming for a half marathon personal best, we’d love to welcome you to Team Stork. When you choose to fundraise for us, you’ll be supported every step of the way. All you need is the motivation to make a difference.

Email us at events@stripeystork.org.uk to register your interest in Run Reigate 2027 or to chat about your fundraising ambitions.

With Team Stork behind you, you really can do this.

The post Run Reigate 2026 – on your marks, get set, go! appeared first on Stripey Stork.

She’s such a lovely mum. She’s facing so many challenges at the moment, but she really wants to do the best for her children. She talks about her aspirations and wanting to go to college. She’s so positive.

When this young mum first started attending sessions at the YMCA, she barely spoke. She would sit quietly with her two children – a four-year-old boy and her baby daughter, who was just a few months old at the time. Her attendance was sporadic and those supporting her knew that anxiety and low confidence made it difficult for her to engage.

But slowly, things changed.

She began coming every week. A relationship was built. Trust grew. And eventually, she felt safe enough to share what life was really like for her family.

They had been living in emergency accommodation, a one-bedroom flat for the past 4 years. Money was extremely tight. Although her partner was working, she was on maternity leave and couldn’t afford to return to her job because of unaffordable childcare costs.

There was little space, little money and very little opportunity for her children to get out and about. Her weekly session at the YMCA was one of the only activities they attended.

And then there was everything else that was weighing her down.

A grandparent had recently become seriously ill, adding another layer of worry to an already incredibly difficult situation. Her son was particularly close to his grandparent and was struggling with the impact of everything that was happening around him.

Yet despite all of this, mum was determined to do the best she could for her children.

She talked about her hopes for the future. She wanted to go to college. She was trying to build her confidence and create a better life for her family. She was young, vulnerable and facing circumstances no parent should have to navigate – but she was also incredibly resilient.

Then, during one of her sessions, she quietly asked if there was any way she could get a few things for her baby daughter who had outgrown her clothes and didn’t have any suitable summer clothing. What she didn’t mention was that she had another worry that was much more urgent.

Her eight-month-old daughter had been sleeping in her Next2Me crib since she was born, but she had now grown too big for it and it was no longer a safe option. With very little space in their one-bedroom home, there was nowhere to put a full-sized cot, leaving mum worried about how she could provide her baby with a safe place to sleep.

There were very few options available to her. She could have continued using a sleeping space her baby had already outgrown. She could have considered sharing a bed with her baby or have her sleep alongside her four-year-old brother. None of these were safe solutions, but when you’re living in a one-bedroom flat with very little money and no room to spare, parents can be left facing impossible choices.

Over time, mum gradually opened up to Victoria, who worked at the YMCA, and begun to trust her enough to talk about what was really happening at home. This relationship meant Victoria was able to understand what the family needed. Victoria told us:

When mum confided in me that her baby had outgrown her Next2Me, I could see that she was really worried. They were living in such a small space, and she didn’t have the money or room for a full-size cot. She just wanted to make sure her little girl had somewhere safe to sleep and I knew we needed to see if there was a way we could help.

Victoria reached out to us and we were able to provide a space-saving cot that would fit into their small home, along with clean bedding. We also gathered a summer clothing pack for the baby.

For mum, it meant something incredibly important – her baby could sleep safely.

But the support was about more than the items.

It was about a mum who had been quietly trying to hold everything together, having someone she trusted enough to talk to honestly about what her family needed.

And it was about the referral partner knowing that when a family needs a helping hand, there is somewhere to turn for support. Victoria told us:

It took time for mum to feel comfortable enough to talk about what was really going on. When she first started coming to the sessions, I don’t think she would have asked for help or told me about the challenges she was facing. We just kept building that relationship, listening to her and making sure she knew there was no judgement. Eventually, she felt able to open up and that meant we could understand what her family needed and connect her with the right support.

For Stripey Stork, this is what our work is about. A cot isn’t simply a cot, it’s a safe place for a baby to sleep and a source of reassurance for a parent doing everything they can in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

This mum and her children will continue to receive support as they need it, as her baby grows, as her little boy gets ready for school and, hopefully, as mum takes the next steps towards the future she wants for her family.

For now, her baby has somewhere safe to sleep and mum has one less thing to worry about.

If you have a cot, Next2Me or Moses basket that your family has finished with, please consider donating it to us. Your pre-loved item could give another baby a safe place to sleep and give their parent one less thing to worry about.

Please check our What to Donate page before bringing your item to make sure it meets our current safety and quality standards. Every safe, good-quality donation has the potential to make a real difference to a family.

The post One less thing to worry about; a safe place to sleep appeared first on Stripey Stork.

Beacon is a well-established CRM platform that is widely used across the charity sector. Beacon informed us on 3rd August 2026 that it had experienced a cyber-security incident in which unauthorised access may have been gained to copies of customer databases. At this stage, there is no evidence that any Stripey Stork data has been published or misused, but Beacon believes copies of some encrypted customer databases were likely downloaded, and this may therefore include the Stripey Stork data.

The information we hold in Beacon is limited to contact details (such as your name, email address, opt-in preferences and, for some supporters, a postal address) together with records of any donations or support you have given. We do not hold or store any other sensitive personal information within Beacon.

Beacon has advised that although data is stored in an encrypted state, decryption remains a potential risk but that currently, there is no evidence of the data appearing on the dark web, and they tell us that they have not received any ransom demand. Beacon is taking this incident extremely seriously. They say they have implemented immediate measures to secure its systems and prevent any further unauthorised access. In addition they are now:

• Conducting a thorough forensic investigation with their external cyber-security specialists to understand exactly what happened;
• Working with law enforcement and relevant regulators as required;
• Conducting online monitoring, as is standard practice in these kinds of incidents. So far, they tell us they haven’t seen anything of concern;
• Completing precautionary security measures.

As soon as we were notified, we immediately took all the security steps recommended by Beacon, including reviewing and securing access to our systems. We have also voluntarily reported the incident to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Charity Commission and will continue to follow their guidance as the investigation progresses.

Currently, there is no action you need to take. However, as a sensible precaution, please remain vigilant for any unexpected or suspicious emails or other communications claiming to be from Stripey Stork. We will never ask you to provide passwords, bank details or other sensitive information by email. If you have any other questions or concerns about this matter, please contact Nicola Dawes.

We take the security of personal information, and the trust our supporters place in us, extremely seriously. We wanted to let you know about this incident as soon as possible and will provide further updates if anything changes.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

The post Data Security Incident Notification – Beacon CRM appeared first on Stripey Stork.

This year’s event was a huge success, raising an incredible £3,948. This support will make a real difference, helping us continue our work providing essential items for children. So far this year, we have supported 7,372 families and 12,604 children.

Stripes at the Warehouse

Stripes4Stripey kicked off at the warehouse, where our staff team, volunteers and corporate volunteers from Unum proudly added their stripes to their summer outfits. In a brilliant (and completely unplanned) coincidence, several members of our team and most of our Thursday volunteers arrived wearing white and navy stripes – creating the most coordinated Stripey Stork look we’ve ever seen!

A Very Stripey Bake Off

This year we held a Stripey Bake Off competition at the warehouse, with cakes baked by staff and volunteers available in exchange for donations.

There was a spectacular range of stripey treats, including muffins, cookies and some impressive larger cakes, all decorated with colourful designs. A special mention must go to Nicola (our founder and chief executive), whose amazing six-tiered stripey masterpiece stole the show in our trademark colours of yellow, blue and orange.

More Stripey Support from Our Partners

We were delighted to see so many of our partners join in with Stripes4Stripey by wearing their stripes, sharing photos and helping spread the word about our work.

A huge thank you goes to Sal’s Shoes, Unison Choir, nTrust, Your Finance Team, Baldwin and Robinson Law and Sonin for getting involved. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and for helping raise awareness of Stripey Stork.

A huge thank you to the pupils, staff and families of Yattendon Junior School in Horley who donated new and pre-loved school uniform as well as a financial donations to Stripes4Stripey.

Our Stripey Quiz Night

Stripes4Stripey was once again rounded off with our popular quiz night. This year, we hosted the event ourselves at St Mary’s Church Centre in Reigate, welcoming 120 people for an evening full of laughter, friendly competition and community spirit.

Quiz tables were made up of members from across the Stripey Stork community with a mixture of volunteers, staff, trustees, partners and supporters.

The doors opened at 6:30pm so teams could arrive with plenty of time to buy their drinks and get a head start on decorating their table for the best decorated table competition.

There were some amazing efforts with all manner of stripes, colours, and even stripey snacks out on display. An honourable mention was given to Table 6 ‘The Badgerettes’ as runners up for their colourful display of stripey décor and disco balls, but the winners of the best decorated table were Table 1 ‘The Wooden Spoons’ because of their impressive table construction decorated with lights, teddies and baby clothes all in the Team Stork colours.

A Battle of Brains and Team Spirit

The evening’s competitive spirit was kicked off with an entertaining game of ‘Heads or Tails’, with teams battling it out for the chance to win a bottle of prosecco.

Quiz master Morgan then got the evening underway with the ‘Where Am I?’ round, where teams identified places across Surrey from a series of clues and descriptions. This was followed by ‘True or False’, ‘Earn Your Stripes’ – a special nod to Stripey Stork – and a sporting challenge to test everyone’s knowledge.

The picture round challenged teams to identify films from small visual clues, leading to plenty of discussion, debate and some impressive guesses.

The second half of the quiz kept the energy high with a series of equally entertaining rounds. The music round proved to be a challenge for some with the short intros sparking some lively discussions and questionable singing! Teams then put their knowledge of famous names to the test, before tackling ‘The Power of Ten’, where every answer was a number between 1 and 10 – with each number only appearing once, making careful consideration and teamwork essential. Next came ‘Feathered Friends’, another fun nod to Stripey Stork’s much-loved mascot.

A Nail-Biting Finish

Throughout the evening, the competition remained incredibly close, with just a handful of points separating the top four teams. Once all the scores had been counted, it was time for a dramatic tie-breaker between the two leading teams: the ‘Stripey Stork Staff Team’ and ‘404: Team Not Found’ from nTrust. Representatives from each team came to the front for a final face-off, with the winning team decided by one last question. The ‘Stripey Stork Staff Team’ claimed victory after correctly guessing the amount that Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, paid for the original design of the iconic Nike Swoosh.

The last act of the evening was to draw the raffle. We had a a brilliant assortment of generously donated raffle prizes up for grabs, with prizes ranging from luxurious bath time and relaxation hampers to men’s hampers, and bottles of wine and champagne! Thank you to Crumbs brewery for the beer donation and to everyone else who donated prizes.

Thank You for Wearing Your Stripes

Thank you to everyone who joined us, wore their stripes, donated, volunteered and helped make Stripes4Stripey such a wonderful celebration.

A special thank you goes to everyone who helped make the quiz night run so smoothly. We are incredibly grateful to Laura, Hazel, Kerry and Jayne, who kept everyone refreshed by running the bar throughout the evening, and to Millie, Sarah, Susy and Charlotte for selling raffle tickets and helping us raise even more funds. Thank you also to Rosie and Freya, who helped keep the evening running smoothly by taking drinks orders and supporting with marking the quiz.

Thank you also to Morgan, who generously volunteered his time to be our fantastic quiz master and kept everyone entertained throughout the evening and to Alex from local band Canada Hill for providing the PA system.

A big thank you to Jude from the Friends of St Mary’s Association (FOSMA), whose valuable advice and support helped us organise and deliver our first event of this kind.

And finally thank you to The Light in Redhill for donating cinema vouchers for our winners.

Events like Stripes4Stripey are only possible because of the incredible community of people who give their time, energy and enthusiasm. Thank you for helping us make the day such a success. We can’t wait to wear our stripes with you again next year on Thursday 17th June 2027.

The post Stripes4Stripey 2026: A Day of Colour, Community and Support appeared first on Stripey Stork.

From the very beginning, their enthusiasm and commitment shone through, but none of us could have predicted just how successful this partnership would become. Over the course of their captaincy year, they raised a truly remarkable £56,137 to support local children and families.

Here’s the story of how they made it happen.

A partnership built close to home

David and Susie already knew about Stripey Stork through previous Ladies’ Captain Claire Brown, who chose us as the club’s charity partner in 2021/22. That earlier connection left a lasting impression.

In their announcement to club members last April, David and Susie explained why supporting a local charity mattered so much:

“Supporting a charity right on our doorstep means even more to our members because they can have the opportunity to get involved, see the impact firsthand and help spread the word about the vital work you do.”

When David and Susie first visited our Reigate warehouse, our van was parked outside unloading after a busy day of deliveries. It felt fitting somehow because that van quickly became the symbol of the partnership and the focus for the year’s fundraising efforts.

At the partnership launch event in April 2025, Stripey Stork CEO Nicola shared why the van matters so much:

The van is so much more than a vehicle. It’s become the heart of our operation, delivering donations to local families who have nowhere else to turn. With your help, we want to keep that van on the road for the whole year, making sure it can reach every family who needs us.

She also shared the story of a mum referred to us by Epsom & St Helier Hospital who arrived to give birth with nothing for her baby and a toddler who was sharing her bed. We pulled together everything they needed – a full newborn pack, a toddler bed, clothes and toys (items all donated by generous local families) – and delivered it the very next day. The hospital told us that without this support, the children might have been taken into care. Instead, they were able to make a fresh start as a family, with the right help around them.

These are the families we help. And these are the families we ask you to hold in mind when you’re fundraising.

Celebrating 130 years of Reigate Heath Golf Club

2025 also marked an incredible milestone for Reigate Heath Golf Club as the club celebrated its 130th anniversary. From brilliant golf throughout the celebrations to a truly special Gala Dinner in June, it was a fitting tribute to the club’s rich history, traditions and strong sense of community.

As part of the Gala Dinner, members and guests took part in a silent auction featuring some fantastic prizes, including 36 holes, lunch at The Wisley and a two weeks stay at holiday home in Lymington, helping raise even more money in support of Stripey Stork.

Reigate Heath Golf Club Golfers in Stripes

Also in June, Reigate Heath got involved in our annual Stripes4Stripey campaign, our biggest community fundraising event of the year.

The day ended with the much-loved Stripes4Stripey Quiz Night, where Reigate Heath entered a team. While they may not have taken home the trophy, they more than made up for it with their generosity and enthusiasm.

Two captains, two huge challenges

August saw both captains take on extraordinary personal fundraising challenges.

David cycled an astonishing 1,000km from the world-famous St Andrews Links to Reigate Heath Golf Club in just over a week. Along the way he tackled steep climbs, unpredictable weather, breath-taking scenery and even a puncture or two, all while raising money for Stripey Stork.

Meanwhile, Susie completed an incredible golfing challenge, playing 90 holes in just five days across ten different golf clubs. From stunning fairways to the infamous Cardiac Hill, she embraced every moment of the challenge.

With both captains, and David’s cycling partner Keith, safely returned to base, celebrations at the club got underway with a Texas Scramble, BBQ and raffle, raising even more money for Stripey Stork.

You can read more about their challenges here: Reigate Heath Golf Club Captains’ Challenges

Reigate Heath Golf Club Captain’s Day

September brought Captain’s Day, a fantastic day of golf, fundraising and community spirit. Alongside the golf itself, members took part in an exciting auction featuring an incredible range of prizes, including a holiday stay, a Shark robot vacuum cleaner and vouchers for rounds of golf at some of the most prestigious courses in England.

But the standout item of the day was something truly special: a Masters flag brought back from Augusta by club member Phil, beautifully framed alongside photographs and a scorecard. Thanks to a contact of Stripey Stork’s Sarah, the flag was made even more valuable with the addition of Rory McIlroy’s signature – a signature only previous Masters winners are allowed to place in the centre of the flag.

Although the reserve price was set at £1,000, members were determined to keep the flag in the clubhouse. In true Reigate Heath style, 52 members each donated, raising £3,315 in total while ensuring the flag stayed at the club.

Bringing Christmas cheer to local children

The festive season brought even more support from the club community.

Members joined us at our Christmas Quiz Night, and David arrived carrying two huge bags filled with brand-new toys for children supported by Stripey Stork.

Club members were also invited to donate new Lego sets beneath the clubhouse Christmas tree, a simple idea that brought in a wonderful collection of gifts for local children.

Evenings of stories, laughter and fundraising

In February, the men’s charity dinner welcomed a packed room of members and guests for an evening of fundraising and entertainment.

The event was hosted by Jamie Weir from Sky Sports and featured guest speaker Harry Redknapp, whose stories and humour helped make it a memorable night while adding even more to the fundraising total.

And the ladies members supported Susie by joining her for fundraising Bridge Nights and Wine Tasting Evenings.

Fundraising Throughout the Year

Alongside these headline events, fundraising was woven into club life all year long.

From the “Captains’ Cocktail”, where £1 from each sale was donated, to raffles, sweepstakes and even playful on-course “fines”, members embraced every opportunity to support Stripey Stork.

One particularly memorable fundraiser involved a very expensive bottle of whisky donated to the club, with David organising a special raffle just for the prize.

Every initiative, big or small, contributed to the extraordinary final total.

Ending the year with the big reveal

David and Susie rounded off their captaincy year with a celebration event at the club in March.

After a day of golf, members celebrated in style with live music from The Incinerators before David and Susie presented us with an incredible cheque for £56,137.

It was a truly emotional moment and a testament to the generosity, creativity and commitment shown by the entire Reigate Heath community throughout the year.

A Genuine Partnership

Reflecting on the year, David said:

We chose Stripey Stork as our charity partner for a number of reasons. Firstly, what they do is transformative and our contributions can make a real difference. Secondly, because they are local it means we are supporting our own community. And thirdly because we know they are a joy to work with, this being the second time Captains of Reigate Heath have chosen to support them.

They are always hugely enthusiastic and supportive in the planning and delivery stages of our fundraising activities, and they really engage with our members at the key events. There is no doubt that the success of our fundraising this year is down to a genuine partnership.

And Susie added:

It’s been a privilege to work with Nicola, Sarah and the team throughout the fundraising challenges and to help support the running costs of the van. It’s been great fun, hugely rewarding and is reflected in the incredible generosity and support shown by the club members and staff throughout the year.

A final word of thanks

To David, Susie and everyone at Reigate Heath Golf Club – thank you. Your outstanding support will make a lasting and profound difference to local children and families, and we are so grateful to have shared this journey with you.

Sarah, Corporate Fundraising Manger at Stripey Stork says:

Working with David and Susie over the past year has been an absolute joy from start to finish. Their energy, creativity and genuine passion for supporting local families has been incredible to see, and the support from everyone at Reigate Heath Golf Club has completely blown us away.

To raise an astonishing £56,137 is simply phenomenal. This funding will make a huge difference to Stripey Stork and will help keep our van on the road, delivering essential items to local children and families who need support the most. Every mile that van travels represents a family receiving practical help and hope at a difficult time, and that simply wouldn’t be possible without partnerships like this one.

We’re so grateful to David, Susie, the club members and staff for embracing Stripey Stork so wholeheartedly and making us feel part of the Reigate Heath community throughout the year.

If your club, company or community group is looking for a charity partner, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us at partnerships@stripeystork.org.uk.

The post Reigate Heath Golf Club raise an incredible £56,137 for Stripey Stork appeared first on Stripey Stork.

Alongside our regular volunteers and corporate volunteering groups, we’re also incredibly grateful for the many people who choose to use their employer volunteering or CSR days, annual leave or regular days off to spend time with us. Whether they join us for a one-off session or return regularly throughout the year, every hour given helps us reach more families who need support.

We spoke to four volunteers who balance work and volunteering in different ways. Here, they share what inspired them to join Stripey Stork and why giving their time has become such an important part of their lives.

Jennifer: Using volunteering days to support local families

Jennifer works for WSP and has been volunteering with Stripey Stork for the past two and a half years. Her employer offers two CSR volunteering days each year, which she usually uses in December to support us during one of its busiest periods.

Jennifer says:

“My oldest school friend works at Stripey Stork and introduced me to the work they do. As a solo parent myself, I understand the expense associated with raising a child and I really value the environmental and sustainability ethos behind the charity. I love that well-loved items are given new homes with local families who really need them.

Over the years I’ve helped with everything from clothes sorting and making up bundles to cleaning toys and preparing Christmas gift bags. I particularly enjoyed putting together the Christmas packages – there’s something really special about preparing gifts for children who might otherwise go without at that time of year.

There have also been opportunities for my workplace to support Stripey Stork beyond volunteering. Last year, Stripey Stork received a Summer Legacy Grant from WSP for £2,500, which helped fund mattresses as part of the charity’s safer sleep campaign.

I really look forward to my volunteer days at Stripey Stork. It’s always a welcome break from the stress of office life and volunteering really helps put things into perspective when you see the extent of need within your own local area. The endless cups of tea and biscuits are also a treat in themselves!”

Rosanna: Using workplace volunteering days throughout the year

Rosanna works for Edrington and has been volunteering with Stripey Stork for the past three years. Her employer gives her four CSR volunteering days each year, which she splits into eight half-days so she can help regularly across the year.

Rosanna says:

“My company ethos is to give more, and that really inspired me to get involved. I previously volunteered at a baby bank in Glasgow with some colleagues and was struck by the scale of need. I was deeply moved by some of the stories behind the packages we were putting together, which led me to look for a local charity—this is when I found Stripey Stork.

I’ve helped with a wide range of tasks. I’ve become quite skilled at assembling stair gates, making sure they have all the correct parts and are properly labelled. I’ve also sorted school uniforms and put together clothing packs for children of different ages. It’s lovely choosing outfits you think a child will enjoy, and adding a toy or a book.

Being able to volunteer means a lot to me. I really value the opportunity to give back, meet other local volunteers, and spend time with all the wonderful people who work at Stripey Stork”

Nadeem: Making the most of CSR volunteering days

Nadeem works for Cisco and first discovered Stripey Stork through a lunch and learn session at work. Since then, he has volunteered both as part of corporate group days with his colleagues and independently.

Nadeem says:

“We get ten days to volunteer each year, which is fantastic. Stripey Stork has become one of the main charities I always want to come back to. What I really like is the flexibility. I can join a corporate volunteering day with colleagues, but I can also sign up individually and volunteer alongside the regular Stripey Stork team using my CSR volunteering days

I’ve done a huge variety of tasks – sorting donations, organising stock, moving deliveries, cleaning baby baths and pushchairs and learning new skills like putting together stairgates and Moses baskets.

My employer also donates £7 for every volunteering hour and matches employee donations through Benevity. In a time of growing need, even small contributions from individuals and companies can make a real difference.

Volunteering at Stripey Stork feels purposeful. It reminds you that hardship exists everywhere, even in places people may not expect, and it helps you appreciate what many of us take for granted. I also love that Stripey Stork helps people start volunteering if they’re not sure where to begin. The team are always so welcoming and supportive and their positivity really rubs off on you.”

Juliet: Volunteering on a regular day off

Juliet works a four-day week, which means she has Fridays free. She uses some of that time to volunteer at Stripey Stork and aims to come in every other Friday. She has been volunteering since January last year.

Juliet says:

“My first connection with Stripey Stork came through a local friend and through earlier fundraising that supported the charity. Later, I suggested Stripey Stork as an option for one of my workplace volunteering days. Visiting the warehouse for the first time with colleagues really made an impact on me. It was such a positive, hands-on experience and I could immediately see the value of the work being done.

That experience inspired me to continue volunteering independently. It feels like such a simple way to give a bit of time while making a meaningful difference.

I usually help with sorting clothes, which I really enjoy. There’s something very satisfying about organising items, preparing packs and knowing they’ll go directly to people who need them. I also really value meeting the other volunteers – everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

Volunteering at Stripey Stork means a lot to me. It’s a grounding experience and a reminder of how important it is to support one another. None of us know what the future holds and it’s reassuring to know there are compassionate, community-driven support systems like Stripey Stork in place for people who need them. It’s something I feel genuinely proud to be part of.”

However You Volunteer, It Matters

Jennifer, Rosanna, Nadeem and Juliet all give their time in different ways – through CSR days, regular days off, or ad hoc sessions when they can. What they have in common is a desire to make a practical difference close to home.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you have enough time to volunteer, their stories show that there’s no single way to do it. Whether you can spare a few hours once a month or want to use workplace volunteering days, every contribution helps us to continue supporting local children and parents with the essentials they need for their children to thrive. visit our volunteering section on our website to see how you can get involved.

The post Turning CSR Volunteering Days into Real Impact appeared first on Stripey Stork.

More than a gift bag

Our community, once again, came together by donating brand new toiletries and gifts, which helped us create our orange gift bags. Each mum receives one of these bags filled with carefully chosen pampering treats, along with a handwritten card. The bags also contained lovely extras such as notepads and pens, fluffy socks, and other small gifts to bring an extra touch of comfort and thoughtfulness. While the bag itself may be simple, the thought behind it carries real meaning. For those who receive one, it’s a rare moment where someone has thought just about them. The handwritten message adds a personal touch, reminding them that they are seen, appreciated and worthy of kindness.

This campaign is entirely driven by donations, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters we have been able to provide 733 gift bags to mums and female carers across Surrey and Croydon this year. Every bag is the result of a community coming together to help ensure more mums feel special on Mother’s Day.

For the mums and female carers who receive them, these small orange bags often mean far more than we might expect. They are a reminder that someone is thinking of them and that their role as a parent is recognised and appreciated. Feedback from West Thornton Primary School highlights just how meaningful these gifts can be. One parent shared,

I have never received a gift from my daughter. I feel so touched that I am able to have my first gift – it means so much to me.

Another said,

Thank you so much for the amazing wellness gift. I can’t believe I have received a gift from my son – I feel blessed.

For one mum, receiving a gift from her son was not only brought her some joy but was also something positive for her son to do.

I just wanted to get in touch to thank you for helping our son organise a Mother’s Day present for me. He was so proud to give me something on Sunday. It was a really special moment and wonderful to feel appreciated. Thank you so much for doing something so unexpectedly positivefor our family.

Messages like these show that something as simple as a small bag of pampering treats and a handwritten card can create a powerful moment of joy, helping parents feel valued and celebrated on Mother’s Day.

A community effort

Many supporters dropped off donations directly to our warehouse, bringing items along to their volunteering sessions, adding them to other donations or even making a special trip just to contribute to the campaign. Our Amazon Wish List proved again to be a convenient way for individuals to support the campaign. These individual acts of kindness all added up to something truly special.

We are also incredibly grateful to the many schools and nurseries that organised collections for us. A huge thank you to the parents and carers at Banstead Prep School, First Steps Nursery Merstham, Micklefield School Reigate, The Priory School Dorking, Powell Corderoy Primary School, and Reigate Parish Primary School, who together donated a fantastic number of items to help fill our gift bags.

Community groups also got involved. Thank you to the 5th Reigate Guides, Godstone Baptist Church and The Bookham Bees WI for their brilliant collections and for encouraging their members to support the campaign.

Support from local business and partners

Local businesses stepped up too. In Coulsdon, the window of Walter & Mair Estate Agents became something rather special. The team asked their local community to bring donations for our A Gift For Mum campaign to their office. In return, they would add the name of a mum or special person to their Mother’s Day window display. It was a simple but meaningful idea that brought the community together while supporting mums in our community.

Our friends at Celtic Contractors, long-time supporters of Stripey Stork, once again contributed some wonderful donations. Alligator Pear in Tadworth generously donated a large box of beautiful items for us to include.

The Surrey County Council’s Women’s Staff Network organised a collection at their offices as part of their International Women’s Day celebrations and dropped off a fantastic selection of items at our warehouse.

We were also delighted to receive fantastic support once again from two of our corporate partners. LNRS and Unum not only donated items but also used an in-house volunteering session to help pack 237 gift bags and handwrite cards, adding that extra special personal touch. Lactalis organised a collection at their office and donated several large bags of items, which were packed into gift bags ready to be delivered.

Our team always find this session very rewarding, knowing that the gift they carefully wrap or card they write will remind someone that they are seen and valued, when they might otherwise feel forgotten on Mother’s Day.

Tamsin Dixon, Community Relations Manager LNRS

Powered by volunteers

As always this campaign wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our volunteers. This campaign is always a team effort and our corporate volunteers have worked alongside our regular Team Stork volunteers to ensure that every bag was thoughtfully packed and ready for delivery.

Every donation, collection and act of support has helped make this campaign possible, ensuring that more mums and female carers receive a small reminder that they are valued and thought of.

Finally, we wish all the mums and female carers we support a very happy Mother’s Day.

The post Helping Mums Feel Celebrated This Mother’s Day appeared first on Stripey Stork.

Hollie first encountered Stripey Stork at a cost-of-living event run by a local family centre. There she was given two of our age-specific activity packs, made by our volunteer team, which are filled with a selection of games, stationery, crafts, self-care items and activities to keep young minds busy.

At the time, Hollie was a single parent to a primary-age son and a teenage daughter. Her daughter, who lives with ASD and anxiety, was out of school, learning at home and facing a long wait for a suitable school place. This meant Hollie was unable to work, and as they were at home together every day, she was facing increasing bills for heating and food. Hollie focused on supporting her daughter. Despite their efforts, being away from friends and peers was very isolating, so the young girl was delighted to find the activity pack we provided was full of many of the things she loves to do, which made her feel cared for, and understood. “It was like it was made for me!,” she told us.

Seeing what an impact this unexpected gift had on her daughter, Hollie reached out to us to let us know. She said that it was clear to her and to both of her children that the packs were made with love.

Their eyes lit up. They’d never had something given to them where it was so clear, someone had really thought about what THEY need.

For Hollie, it was also an unexpected lift

Like a random act of kindness that day. It was unexpected, I didn’t know there was a service that gave out things like that. It made me feel like… Yes, this is going to really help me.

Her younger son also enjoyed exploring his pack. He isn’t a fan of puzzles, so when he discovered one of those in the bag, he chose to pass that on to a neighbour who had been unwell and in and out of hospital recently. We loved hearing about his decision to ‘pay it forward’ with his own act of kindness.

As a result of Hollie reaching out, we were able to give her more information about support available from Stripey Stork, and how to access it. She had been worrying about the rising cost of living, and how it was going to affect her children, so it was a relief to know there are places she could turn for help with clothing and school supplies as her children grew.

I used to be able to keep a little money aside for emergencies,” she told us. “That doesn’t happen now. The gas and electric keep going off, and everything costs more. It’s so hard to find enough money for what the kids need.

It can be difficult to ask for help for your family, or to explain the extent of the challenges you are facing. Hollie told us

It’s especially hard in Surrey, because it’s thought of as quite an affluent area.

Recent evidence that child poverty is rising in some areas of Surrey shows that the impression of Surrey as an ‘affluent county’ is not the lived reality for many children and families. Our own work, and the stories we hear, confirm this.

It can be hard to know where to start to get help when you are not already receiving support from health or social care professionals. Our ‘get help’ page can help to explain the process.

After speaking to us, Hollie and her daughter offered to give some feedback on some of our teen packs, and our service. Shortly after that, she became a member of our advisory panel, using her lived experience to help us help others.

When I was offered the opportunity to join the Advisory Panel, I felt honoured. I already loved the organisation’s values and the way they genuinely help families.

In 2023, Hollie was with us when we welcomed presenter Charlotte Hawkins to our warehouse as part of the Baby Bank On Us campaign, and spoke openly about her experience in the national news.

Her journey then came full circle in 2024, when she went on to work for a parent wellbeing service, where she regularly referred families to Stripey Stork. She describes the experience of being able to help other parents.

It felt deeply important, to understand “it’s ok not be ok sometimes” and help remove shame that’s embedded in some families. I understood exactly what those families were going through because I had been there myself.

Today, as well as serving on our advisory panel, Hollie is part of the Domestic Abuse Surrey Expert by Experience Network (DA Seen), and through a referral to us, helped to support survivors with specially designed trauma care packs. She is completing her University degree, and volunteers with us regularly in the warehouse, making up bundles for children and families. Her daughter, now 17, comes in with her, and they are both enjoying being part of the team.

Coming into the warehouse to volunteer, with my daughter by my side, has been especially powerful. Seeing the love and care that goes into every referral shows how deeply Stripey Stork values families. It is not just about items, it is about dignity, compassion, and community.

We’re so grateful to Hollie and her family for sharing their experiences with us, encouraging other families to ask for help, and for helping us show the impact of the funding and donations provided by the community who support us, too.

Do you have a family feedback story to share? Get in touch with us by emailing communications@stripeystork.org.uk.

The post Hollie’s Story – Full Circle appeared first on Stripey Stork.

But something children love and value so deeply can quietly become a source of pressure for parents.

When money is tight, a costume, however simple, is another cost to find. We hear from our referral partners about children who would rather stay off school than stand out because they don’t have a costume like everyone else. No child should feel excluded from a day that is meant to celebrate reading and belonging.

Costumes are not an ’essential’ like a cot or pram, and they are not a core part of our work, but because dressing-up items often arrive in donations alongside toys and clothes, we keep them. We store them carefully for moments like this, so that when a request comes in, we can respond.

And this is where our volunteer Lottie comes in.

Lottie has taken real care with our World Book Day packs. She doesn’t simply pull a costume from a box. She thoughtfully matches outfits with the right books, adds accessories wherever she can, and creates complete little story sets. Each pack feels considered and personal. It turns a donated costume into something special. Something that says to a child, you matter, and you deserve to take part.

That ability to be responsive and flexible and to meet needs as they arise is only possible because of Team Stork. Because of the donations we receive. Because of the volunteers who sort, store and prepare items with such care. Because our shelves are stocked, we can say yes when a referral partner gets in touch.

If you would like to support our work, the best place to start is our online wishlist. It is always up to date with the items families need most. From time to time, we will make specific seasonal call-outs, so do keep an eye on our social media channels.

Every donation helps us do what we do best: remove barriers, reduce stress, and make sure children can feel confident, included and ready to learn on World Book Day and every day.

The post Celebrating World Book Day with Stripey Stork appeared first on Stripey Stork.