How we chose 'Go Beyond' as our charity

Like many people in our age group (in our 50s), David and I often find ourselves reminiscing about the “good old days”. Back then, our weekends and school holidays were immersed in the outdoors—playing with friends, biking through nature for hours at a time, constructing camps in the woods, playing in streams and even just playing in our gardens.  Those were the times when we spent countless hours outdoors, our imaginations ignited by a new game every day.

Returning home at the end of those adventures, we were grubby, happy, with rosy cheeks and voracious appetites, eagerly anticipating dinner. Finally, we would climb into our warm beds, drifting off into a peaceful sleep, worn out but content. Our worries no bigger than who would be out to play in the morning.

In our minds, we envision that every child should have access to open spaces, green areas, bikes, beaches, woods, and friends—a childhood that's carefree and joyful. Sadly, this ideal is not always the reality. Some children face difficult and tough lives, lacking the opportunity for a carefree existence or parents who can’t or don’t prioritise their needs for many reasons, leaving those children isolated, lonely and mentally burdened.

Some youngsters have never had the chance to glimpse the sea or play on a beach; they lack bikes, toys, gardens, the chance to play. Even if they do have home comforts, their early years are occasionally spent in isolation, shouldering the responsibilities of caring for sick parents.  They may be weighed down with the sadness of poverty and the lack of necessities like food.

In contrast, we've been fortunate with three remarkable grandchildren, enveloped in love and support. They enjoy a secure space to express themselves, cared for tirelessly by their mothers, and benefit from the essentials—food, water, warm beds, quality education, and friends to play with—free from the burden of responsibilities beyond their years.

The aspiration for every child to access friends, laughter, adventure, beaches, green spaces, and caring adults aligns seamlessly with our chosen charity. Working alongside the dedicated team at Go Beyond fills us with immense pleasure, pride, and excitement. Our mission during this significant journey is to raise substantial funds, providing as many children as possible with fully funded respite breaks in the Yorkshire Dales or Cornwall at one of Go Beyond's holiday centres.

If you would like to know more about this wonderful and much needed charity please take a look at our blog entitled Going Beyond.