Sally Sycha took on a challenge from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for her wheelchair rugby club. Image: Sally Sycha

After a year marked by the coronavirus pandemic, many were hoping that 2021 would be a new beginning for all of us.

The year began with England entering its third national lockdown and legal limits on social contact were not lifted until June 21.

At the local level, people took up the challenges and continued to support their communities.

From fantastic fundraising and fabulous volunteers to achieving milestones and launching community initiatives, there has been a lot to celebrate in Berkshire this year.

Today we take a look at some of the great news featured on InYourArea throughout March.

Artists sold limited edition prints to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish UK reading charity

Internationally renowned British artist Idris Khan, OBE sold 100 limited edition prints in March to raise money for a children’s charity Make-A-Wish United Kingdom based in Reading, Berkshire.

In a touch of rivalry, Idris beat his wife Annie Morris on sales. Idris and Annie created the prints especially for the charity after the annual Art of Wishes event they support had to be redesigned due to the lockdown.

To read the full story, click here.

Bracknell planning professionals tackled homelessness at charity nights

Two planning professionals from Bracknell, Berkshire, had first hand experience of homelessness when they joined volunteers for a charity evening in March.

Pegasus Group Senior Director Andy Meader and Director Nick Kirby supported real estate charity LandAid by participating in Sleep Out At Home on March 11 in a bid to prevent young people from sleeping in the street, every night.

To read the full story, click here.

A disabled mother from Wokingham traveled the distance from Land’s End to John o ‘Groats to raise money for a specialized wheelchair

A disabled mother from Wokingham, Berkshire, hiked the distance from Land’s End to John o ‘Groats (LEJOG – 1,407km) this year, on her ICE Specialty Recumbent Trike, to raise money for her own specialty wheelchair .

Sally Sycha is a huge wheelchair rugby fan and plays for the Berkshire Banshees. The team was growing rapidly and didn’t have enough chairs for each player, so Sally decided to take on the challenge from Lands End to John o ‘Groats to raise money for her own rugby chair.

To read the full story, click here.

A woman from Wokingham traveled 100 km in memory of her uncle

A woman from Wokingham walked from London to Brighton to raise much needed funds for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading, Berkshire.

Vikki Harris, 32, took on the 100km London 2 Brighton ultra challenge in memory of her uncle, Tim Walsh, who received hospice care before dying of cancer in November 2019.

To read the full story, click here.

Smart Works Reading Cycling Challenge raised over £ 26,300 to support local women in need

Cycling teams and their sponsors have raised more than £ 22,100, with an additional £ 4,200 in aid, for Smart Works Reading, a charity that helps underprivileged women get back to work.

163 fundraisers used static and road bikes in the week leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8. Each team of five cycled 500 miles, the total distance between regional Smart Works centers.

To read the full story, click here.

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