10 hour challenge in bath of baked beans raises £1,000 for Diabetes UK
Chris, sitting in baked beans on a blustery Derbyshire day
This year, Chris from Derbyshire set himself a challenge. No, he wasn’t going for the now traditional 10k run, or getting covered in mud on a ludicrous assault course whilst being electricuted. Chris was going for something we don’t see very often these days, something old school.
He was challenging himself to lie in a bath of baked beans for 10 hours to raise money for Diabetes UK. This may sound simple, but we can assure it’s a genuine test of mental grit!
Chris was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 9 and although he manages his condition really well, he wanted to help others in need by fundraising for Diabetes UK.
Chris said: “My friends and family had their reservations about the challenge at first, I hadn’t got a venue, bath or any beans! But as soon as we got the ball rolling they were right behind me supporting the challenge.
I started with the venue and decided to ask the local Holbrook Fete if it would be OK for me to hold the challenge there in July 2016 and they happily agreed. Next was finding the bath and luckily a family member was renovating, so I was able to use their spare bath to attach to a wagon. Then, of course, the next step was to get the beans and start my fundraising!
The local shop in the village was brilliant for allowing me to collect donations as well as having a few cans of baked beans for free. My family, friends and other local businesses pitched in for the rest of beans to fill the bath up and generously donated, it was a real team effort.
To get extra donations my Grandma helped by making sugar free treats to sell at the fete and I decided to raise a few more donations by asking 50p / £1 to pour baked beans on my head. The kids loved it!
Selling sugar free treats made by his Grandma (left) helped Chris reach £1,000
It was really blustery on the day which made it cold at times sitting in the beans. It was much harder than I anticipated, but overall I really enjoyed it. A genuine challenge. Many local people gave so generously to me, I can’t thank them and my family enough for supporting me.”
Chris is already thinking of another fantastically messy event next year and has even hinted at fancy dress. Do you live locally and have an idea for Chris or want to join him? Get in touch.
If you're having a craving for an old school fundraiser like Chris, or maybe fancy that mud covered ludicrous assault course then get involved. Order your fundraising pack and find out how we’ll help you make a difference to people affected by diabetes, your way.
