The BRIT Challenge is back: University raises funds for young people’s mental health

Canterbury Christ Church University and Christ Church Students’ Union are joining forces with institutions across the UK to take part in the BRIT Challenge 2022, following two successful years of fundraising.

The University is inviting every student and staff member to take part by walking, swimming, or cycling throughout February, finishing on University Mental Health Day on Thursday 3 March, to raise vital funds for the British Inspirational Trust (BRIT) and Mind, the UK’s leading mental health support charity.

The campaign aims to improve the mental health of young adults and students, and encourage physical activity, with a variety of rewards and prizes throughout the month.

This year’s theme is the Great BRIT Walking Challenge, although teams can cycle, swim and run, aiming for 100 miles for each person taking part.

We are truly delighted to take part in the BRIT Challenge for the third year. "The challenge has become such an important part of what we do as a University, connecting students and staff in addition to raising both awareness and vital funds for mental health charities. “This year, we will be using brand-new technology to track participants’ physical activity and reward them for all their hard work with prizes – making this challenge the perfect time to get more active and improve both mental and physical health.
Paul CarneyDirector of Christ Church Sport and Active Health

This year, Christ Church Sport and Active Health has partnered with technology-guru OpenPlay – an app for counting activity, giving teams an easy way to stay on top of every step they walk as part of the challenge.

Former Women’s World Rugby Captain Catherine Spencer (nee Paynter), and Christ Church Honorary Doctorate, is now a BRIT Ambassador. She also attended the University in 2019 to support the community effort.

Catherine was one of England’s most successful rugby players; she won six RBS Six Nations titles, captained England for three seasons and played in two World Cups. During her eight years playing for England between 2004 and 2011, Catherine amassed 63 caps.

She significantly raised the profile of women’s rugby through her leadership and now continues to inspire girls and women through her own company Inspiring Women. She is patron of global charity Tag Rugby Trust, and loyal to her Kent roots, as an ambassador of both Shepway Sports Trust and KM Charity team.

Maddy Young, Christ Church Students’ Union Sports President expressed her excitement for this year’s challenge. “I am so excited to see BRIT22 return this year,” she said.

“It is great to see so many students and staff getting involved – I love how it brings the community together for a fantastic charity. An active campus is a happy campus!”

Canterbury Christ Church University partnered with the British Inspirational Trust in 2019 and last year, from 8 February to 14 March 2020, the University exceeded the target and in five weeks collectively travelled 57,471 miles, with 603 staff, students and alumni taking part. The total amount raised was £3,809.