The Charities

Making waves on The Atlantic and in our communities

Though we come from different parts of the country, we are united by a shared commitment to giving back to our local communities. Each of us has chosen to support a charity that holds personal significance, fundraising and raising awareness for causes close to our hearts.

By championing these incredible small charities, we hope to not only elevate their profiles but also inspire other young people to take action and create meaningful change in their own communities.

The Charities

A Shining Light

A Shining Light is a community-based charity founded in Howden, East Yorkshire, to remember Luke Stevens, one of the area’s shining lights.

Luke was born in April 2004 in Hull to Joanne and Chris, his parents, and Cassie, his big sister. He loved sports, and throughout his short life, he participated in and competed in many different activities.

A fortnight before Christmas 2019, Luke was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his left femur. He started a programme of chemotherapy on 20th December, managing to leave the hospital on Christmas Eve to spend Christmas and New Year with his family.

Luke completed Chemo at the end of August 2020 and stepped onto the bus to Bishop Burton College to start the next chapter of his life.

Sadly, at a routine chest scan in December 2020, Luke and his family were told that his cancer had relapsed and was now in his lungs.

Despite joining a trial of a new chemotherapy drug in Newcastle, Luke’s treatment was halted in May 2021, and he sadly lost his battle on the 29th of June 2021.

The charity is a feeder to Teenage Cancer Trust UK, having a system where all monies raised and collected go directly to Leeds and Newcastle teenage cancer units, Where Luke was treated and cared for.

The charity has become an integral part of the local area, with many local businesses choosing them as their named charity and hosting various events that bring together the community.

Why did Liv choose this charity?

Liv had the privilege of being one of Luke’s childhood friends. By dedicating this challenge to Luke’s memory, she aims to uphold his legacy and continue telling his story.

A young man and woman standing together outdoors on a sports field, surrounded by people. The man is wearing a black tracksuit and a white bucket hat, while the woman is wearing a gray hoodie and black pants. Trees are visible in the background."
A young couple posing outdoors, the girl wearing a black sequin dress and sunglasses, while the boy wears a purple hoodie and jeans, standing in front of greenery.

Forest Holme Hospice

Forest Holme Hospice is a small Dorset charity that provides end-of-life care. It offers Palliative care for adults with advanced, progressive, serious illnesses. The unit also helps support families and friends through diagnosis, treatment, and bereavement.

Forest Holme Hospice ensures that everyone in the local community affected by life-limiting illnesses or bereavement gets the care and support they need at home or in their dedicated hospice facility.

Why did Jenna choose this charity?

Forest Holme Hospice cared for Jenna’s godmother and grandmother in their final days, so it is naturally very close to her heart.

During the pandemic, Jenna’s grandmother got very sick, and her family was struggling to get a diagnosis or a clear answer about what was happening. A few weeks later, she was diagnosed with cancer. Forest Holme Hospice provided dignified care for her, and they were in the process of giving a home nurse for when she returned home before she passed away. Forest Holme Hospice not only provided the best care for my grandma but also helped my father and grandfather visit her at a time when going to hospitals was difficult.

When Jenna was 11, her Godmother Wendy unfortunately died of lung cancer. Even though Jenna was very young when visiting her Godmother at Forest Holme- the staff made a lasting impression by treating her like family. The excellent care at Forest Holme made seeing such a strong lady struggling with a horrific disease that bit easier.

There are not many people in the local community whom Forest Holme Hospice's committed care hasn't touched.

Group of six women in uniform smiling and standing together indoors, wearing teal jackets with pink accents.
Two women sitting together at a table, one wearing a paper crown, both smiling.

Best Mates

Founded in Swindon, the Best Mates mission is not just a statement; it’s a pledge to make a real difference in people’s lives through financial, emotional and physical support. Whether someone is facing financial challenges, grappling with health issues, dealing with debt, navigating employment concerns, or anything else, the charity is there for you. Best Mates believes in the strength of friendship and the power of our community.

Why did Meg choose this charity?

When Meg committed to rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, she wasn’t just chasing adventure - she was determined to make every stroke count for something bigger. After meeting Jeff Tucker, co-founder of Best Mates, and hearing how the charity steps in for people who feel completely alone, something clicked.

Best Mates isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about being there when someone’s at their lowest. No judgment. No agenda. Just mateship, when it matters most.

That’s the kind of support Meg believes in and it’s why she’s chosen to dedicate her Atlantic crossing to raising awareness and vital funds for Best Mates - so they can keep showing up, even when no one else does.