The Berkeley Foundation raised over £70,000 through its inaugural Big Berkeley Biathlon, a three-day endurance challenge aimed at supporting young people facing homelessness across the UK. Held between September 4 and 6, the event required participants to cover a total distance of 240 kilometers, moving from Birmingham to London through a combination of marathon walks and cycling segments. The journey began with a marathon walk from St Basils’ Live & Work space in Birmingham to Leamington Spa, followed by a 159-kilometer cycling leg to Uxbridge. The final stretch involved another marathon walk, concluding at the New Horizon Youth Centre in Camden, London.
The route was intentionally designed to connect the two charities receiving the funds. The money will be divided equally between St Basils in Birmingham and New Horizon Youth Centre in London, both organizations dedicated to helping young people transition from crisis to stability. St Basils assists individuals aged 16 to 25 who are at risk of or already experiencing homelessness, providing emergency housing, housing advice, life-skills training, and employment support. Similarly, New Horizon Youth Centre offers programs focused on rebuilding confidence and creating pathways to education and independence.
Piers Clanford, Chair of the Berkeley Foundation and Chief Operating Officer of Berkeley, stated that the company’s involvement reflects its broader mission. “As a business, creating homes is at the heart of what Berkeley does. Through the Berkeley Foundation, we extend that commitment beyond the homes we build, investing in organisations that help young people access the safety, stability and opportunities they need to build positive futures. We know that a safe home is about much more than four walls and a roof. It is the foundation from which young people can access education, employment, good health and independence.”
The initiative highlights a deeper understanding within the housing sector that youth homelessness extends beyond a lack of shelter. It also disrupts access to education, employment, and long-term security. The money raised will go towards emergency accommodation, housing advice, life-skills programmes, employment support and practical assistance for young people rebuilding their lives.
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Marsha McAdam, Chief Executive of St Basils, noted the impact the funds will have. “St Basils works with young people aged 16 to 25 who are at risk of homelessness or who have already found themselves without a safe place to live. Our goal is to help young people rebuild their confidence, develop new skills, find work, continue their education and, ultimately, create a future that’s full of opportunity.”
The Big Berkeley Biathlon aligns with a growing trend of businesses using physical challenges to raise both funds and awareness for social causes. By linking the event’s journey from Birmingham to London to the real-life struggles of young people, organizers reinforced the connection between corporate action and community support.
The money raised through the challenge will be shared equally between St Basils and New Horizon Youth Centre to support their services. For now, the priority remains the young people who will benefit from the £70,000 raised—a direct contribution to tackling a long-standing and complex issue.
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