Mayor Andy Burnham cheered on teams coming from across Greater Manchester as they pulled together to combat homelessness
26 teams battled it out to become ‘Greater Manchester’s Strongest Team’ on Thursday 17 August, whilst raising thousands of pounds to help tackle the rise of homelessness across the city region.
Supporting the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, the event challenged teams of five to pull a brand new bright yellow bus across a 30-metre course around the historic vaulted arches of Manchester Central. Resource Solutions’ team, ‘RS on the Pull’ were the winning team, dragging the 11,220kg bus over the line in a blitzing time of 00:27:69!
Attended by Mayor Andy Burnham, the event raised just over £15,000 which will help thousands of individuals at risk of homelessness across the city region, whilst also providing much-needed care for those already sleeping rough. The total raised will help provide 500 nights of accommodation for the A Bed Every Night scheme.
Andy Burnham Mayor of Greater Manchester and Patron of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said:
“That really was an incredible event with a real buzz in the room. This was more than a physical challenge, it was a display of the strength and unity of our city-region pulling together to end homelessness, as we prepare for the Bee Network launch. Everyone should have a home, and everyone should have a bed for a night. The funds we raised help make that possible. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated.”
Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity provides grants to pioneering organisations that work throughout the city region. It has raised over £3.1 million since it was launched in 2019, unlocking more than 70,000 nights of emergency accommodation, 40 grants to organisations experiencing tough times and enabling 12 years of frontline work through funding.
The success of the event is owed largely to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Diamond North West, Go North West and Manchester Central.
Fran Darlington-Pollock, CEO at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:
“As soon as we announced the event, the level of interest was huge, right up to the deadline we continued to sign teams up and we couldn’t have been happier with the turnout. It’s testament to the people of Manchester who are always prepared to stand up and tackle big issues facing our city and who are never afraid of a challenge
“It’s a great symbol of the community pulling together to help change lives and I can’t thank everyone enough for attending and also donating their hard-earned cash.”
For more information about the Mayor’s Charity and how they’re working towards ending homelessness in Greater Manchester, head to www.gmmayorscharity.org.uk
