Three Brave Fundraisers. One Powerful Cause: Young Carers.

12th Aug 2025
Three Brave Fundraisers.
There’s a moment in every fundraising challenge where you stop and think: What am I doing?

For some, it was halfway up a hill in France.
For others, it was 700 feet in the sky, strapped to the wing of a plane.
Or waist-deep in icy water, with the wind howling.

But then came the answer.
I’m doing this… for someone else.

Because behind every wild challenge for MYTIME Young Carers, there’s a deeper purpose.
To support young carers who care for their loved ones every day - often without a break, often without recognition.

These aren’t just fundraising stories. They’re acts of love. Of bravery. Of choosing temporary discomfort so a young carer can experience something better: freedom, friendship, opportunity.

 

280 Miles for a Break Young Carers Deserve.
Jack - London to Paris

Cycling from London to Paris might sound like a bucket-list dream - until you’re 120 miles in, your legs are cramping, the rain is pouring, and France seems to stretch on forever.

Jake Honeybun didn’t just cycle from London to Paris - he rode for something far bigger than himself.

Four days. 280 miles. Torrential rain. Thunderstorms. Hills that just wouldn’t end.


Somewhere in the French countryside, when the exhaustion hit, Jake remembered why he signed up in the first place:

It was a real privilege to take on this challenge on behalf of MYTIME and raise money for the incredible young carers. We all dug deep, battled some awful weather, but the positivity and camaraderie made it so special.” said Jake Honeybun. The event, he said, “couldn’t have been better.

Jake raised £1,861 — just shy of his £2,000 target - helping us continue our mission of supporting young carers every day. His effort will help provide vital breaks, fun experiences, and the chance to simply enjoy being young.

👉 You can still help Jake reach his goal:  Jake Honeybun is fundraising for MYTIME Young Carers

From everyone at MYTIME - thank you, Jake. And thank you to every person who cheered, shared, and donated. You made this ride matter.

 

221/365 Days. Still Cold. Still Going.

Matt - 365 days Ice Dips

Matt King never imagined he’d become the guy who takes an icy dip every single day. What started as a simple 30-day challenge quickly turned into something much bigger.

“I thought I’d do the 30 days like everyone else… then maybe 50,” Matt explains, “but then I made a comment one day about doing it EVERYDAY for a year - because why not? Young carers don’t get a day off - so why should I?”

 

His commitment goes far beyond personal challenge. Matt has huge admiration for the work young carers do. “It’s not their choice and they don’t often grumble,” he says.

“Hearing how they are so often underachieving at school because of their situation - it really hit me. I wanted to start doing something to help.”

 

Of course, sticking to such a tough challenge isn’t easy, especially when the weather is freezing, and the motivation dips.

“There have been moments over the last 220 days when I haven’t wanted to do it… I wanted to stop… but I think of these kids doing these jobs day in and day out and I stick with it.”

 

It’s this determination and heart that make his challenge so powerful. When people ask,

“Why are you doing this?” Matt simply says,

“I always relay the message on how much I support MYTIME and the incredible work they’re doing,  plus, the fact that the 365 days started as a joke and I can’t back down now… haha!”

 

We’re so proud of Matt - and genuinely awed by his commitment. This isn’t a five-minute challenge. It’s a full year of showing up, in all weather, for a cause that matters. Thank you, Matt - you’re our community hero.

👉 You can support Matt here: Matt King is fundraising for MYTIME Young Carers

 

Fear at 120mph — and Doing It Anyway.

Kirsty - Wing Walk 1

And we couldn’t finish this without mentioning one of our own.

When Kirsty Rafferty joined MYTIME as our new Community and Events Executive, she knew one thing for sure: She didn’t just want to ask others to take on big challenges -
she wanted to lead by example.

So, just a few weeks into the role, Kirsty signed up for something bold: a Wing Walk.
Yes - standing on top of a flying plane, 700 feet in the air, at 120mph.

“As the engine roared and the plane lifted, I was terrified.
But I thought: young carers face fear every day.
Fear of losing a parent. Fear of being different. Fear of responsibility.
I can face mine for five minutes.”

And when she shifted her focus from the fear to the why, everything changed.


She started to enjoy the ride - the joy, the freedom, the rush of adrenaline.

For Kirsty, it wasn’t just about raising money or chasing thrills.
It was about empathy. About showing what’s possible.
And about sending a powerful message:

I see you. I admire you. I’m standing up for you - literally.

Kirsty’s courage, compassion and commitment truly embody the MYTIME spirit. We’re grateful to have her on the team - and proud to stand beside her as she stands up for young carers.

👉 It’s not too late to support Kirsty and the young carers she flew for: Kirsty Rafferty is fundraising for MYTIME Young Carers

 

Same Heart. Different Journeys.

Each challenge looked different.
But all were fuelled by one shared belief:

👉 That every child deserves the same chances in life - no matter their circumstances.
👉 That young carers deserve rest, support, and the chance to simply be young.
👉 That fundraising isn’t just about raising money. It’s about meaning.

They stepped outside their comfort zones, not only to stand with young carers, but to discover something within themselves too.


They felt adrenaline. Pride. Joy.
They grew in confidence, found strength they didn’t know they had, and felt part of a community doing something meaningful - together.

So what about you?
You don’t have to fly on a plane.
Or cycle to Paris.
Or swim through snow.

But you can do something brave, bold or beautifully simple - to show young carers they’re not alone. Whether you donate, share, fundraise, or create your own mini challenge - your action matters.

Because when one person takes a step, others follow.
And together, we create a better world.

 

👉 Get involved or start your own challenge today!

Reach out to our amazing Community & Events Executive Kirsty Rafferty at


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