On Saturday 4 June 2016, 396 people ran, walked, skipped, hopped, jumped, cycled, skated and wheeled the length of TAG Farnborough Airport’s runway. This annual event is organised jointly by TAG Farnborough Airport and the College. Now in its fourth year, the Challenge raises money for the Community Matters Partnership Project's (CMPP) Youth Aspirations Fund (YAF). CMPP is a collaborative project of private and public sector organisations working together to support the community, especially young people.  

After the airport's operations ceased for the day, participants, including TAG Farnborough Airport’s CEO Brandon O'Reilly, completed either a three, five or 10 kilometre course - each took the challengers across runways, taxi ways and jet parks.

The youngest participant was Seb Rastall, who at just seven days old took part in the family event with mother Anthea and father Ollie Rastall. Ollie is the Managing Director of Source Supplies and one of the funding Associates of the CMPP. He said, "This event is just a brilliant opportunity to do something community focused - and with my family! The atmosphere is always fantastic with everyone in great spirits, ready to participate in this unique opportunity."

Representatives from across CMPP, alongside their families and friends, raised a staggering £6,000 simply by paying an entrance fee to take part. The funds raised will be added to the YAF grant pot which, after the Challenge, now contains an amazing £22,720 raised by CMPP Partners. 

Applications to CMPP's Youth Aspiration Fund open every October. Local community groups, charities, not for profits, schools and individuals can apply for funding for projects that will help raise aspirations in local young people.

Christine Eustace, Project Manager of CMPP and Director of Community Engagement at the College said, "The YAF grows throughout the year as organisations like TAG and the College host events that raise money for the community. In July, CMPP are hosting their annual summer social at The Village Hotel, Farnborough and partners will also be doing a charity sky dive with the Red Devils which we hope will provide a further £10,000 for the YAF." 

The YAF, which was created by the CMPP last year, has already funded nine creative and innovative projects in the borough, including the provision of equipment for disabled young people, funding for projects supporting vulnerable young people living in areas of deprivation and large scale events that inspire young people to think about what they could achieve in the future.

If you would like to help raise money for the YAF or if you would like to apply for YAF funding please visit www.communitymatterspartnership.org.uk for further information.