07/05/2026
Chairman speech .
Over the last few years, we’ve heard 2 comments from a couple of individuals suggesting to people we know that people within our charity are paid or claim expenses.
NO ONE within our charity is paid.
NO ONE within our charity claims expenses.
For the last 11 years — even before becoming a registered charity, when we were simply fundraising — every single challenge, event, and fundraiser has been funded from our own pockets.
Whether that meant accommodation, food, travel, or taking unpaid time off work, the team has always covered the costs personally. Some challenges lasting a few weeks have cost individuals over £1,000 each, and not a penny ever came out of fundraising money. This can be confirmed by the charities we have supported over the years and by every person who has taken part in those challenges alongside us.
That has been the case from day one, and it still is today.
Even when attending events organised in support of us, if we eat or drink, we pay for it ourselves. No wages. No expenses. Ever
Alongside this, we dedicate countless unpaid hours every year to running the charity, organising events, helping people, and keeping everything moving forward.
We are incredibly proud of how this charity is run, and I’d honestly say there are probably no charities in the country that operate the way we do. Transparency has always been important to us, and if anyone genuinely wishes to see our books or bank statements, we would happily show them everything. Also everything is there to see online at the charity commission .
As for the individual making these comments, I’m more than happy that you won’t be attending our Party on the Pitch event.
I normally stay quiet, but when you see the sacrifices, commitment, time, and personal money people have put into this charity for over a decade, hearing comments like this is beyond disgusting and makes you question why you bother.
To every single person who continues to support us, trust us, volunteer with us, donate to us, and stand by us — thank you. That support means everything.
Best wishes
Callum.
