Friends of Birmingham Children’s Trust partners up for first charity fundraiser

BFriends, a charity in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Trust, has teamed up with a group of ex-military friends to raise money for young adults in Birmingham.

The fundraiser will see Ryan Faulkner, George Stobbs, Alex Black, and Nathan Rees walk 31 miles along the canal path from Worcester to Birmingham while each carrying 31kg.

The 31Miles31Lives challenge initially started as an individual challenge for Ryan, Managing Director, RCF Facilities Management Limited, to raise awareness about Mental Health and pushing through hard challenges.

“With six years in the British Army I left the forces and moved into security work and predominantly close protection work,” said Ryan.

“After many hard times with mental health and life struggles, I've made it a conscious effort to give back and help others where I can. After meeting with Natalie Loon from the Bfriends Charity and seeing the great work they do to help young people, the challenge could help save someone’s live, so 31 miles for 31 lives has become the goal.”

The challenge will take place on Sunday 4th September 2022, the money raised will go towards supporting young people and adults who are transitioning from care into independent living.  

George Stobbs, who is also joining the challenge, said: ”with over 12 years’ service in the British Army, training all over the world and going through my own fitness journey, I made it my mission to help as many people as I can become the best versions of themselves, both physically and mentally. There is more to training than just wanting to look good or lose some weight.”

“Mental Health is slowly becoming more talked about but is still a quiet phrase in the fitness world, we want to help change this!”

Natalie Loon, Operations and Fundraising Manager at BFriends, said: “the best part of my job is meeting inspirational people that join us in making a difference in the lives of the young people and adults we work with. When I met Ryan, it was clear that he wanted to use his personal life experiences to support others, and then a passionate like-minded team formed collectively.”

The team, now known as Bfriends31, will be walking to raise funds to support young people and adults known to Birmingham Childrens Trust that are going through transitions into independent living.

If you would live to show your support and make a donation, please visit the GoFundMe page, Fundraiser by Ryan Faulkner : 31Miles31Lives