Take on a challenge for Katharine House this year

5 January2026

There’s something for everyone!

For those looking to challenge themselves this year, Katharine House is offering a range of activities to give people something to aim for while also helping to raise funds for their local hospice.

Many of the favourites are back, including a 13,000ft skydive at Hinton Airfield, Brackley, scaling Snowdon at sunrise and the Oxford Half Marathon. This year, the Katharine House team are also inviting people to take part in the Banbury Triathlon in May to support the hospice.

A new challenge, taking place 9–17 October 2026, is the inaugural Great Wall of China Trek. This adventure is exclusively for Katharine House supporters and takes in a remote section of the Great Wall of China, from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and Simatai, trekking not only the wall itself but also the surrounding wild and remote landscapes.

Supporting you every step of the way

Carley Lambourne, Events and Challenges Officer at Katharine House, who will be accompanying participants in China, said, “This will be an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so excited to be joining the team for the Great Wall of China Trek. We still have places available for those who want to sign up to this amazing adventure.

“Our team will be with you every step of the way, supporting you with your fundraising and sharing ideas to help you reach your target easily, plus we’ll be organising training walks for the group so you can get to know other people before we go.”

For those planning further ahead, registration is also now open for the London to Paris cycle challenge in September 2027. The first event took place last year with a team of 46 cyclists whose fundraising efforts surpassed all expectations, raising £166,085.

Community Engagement Manager at Katharine House, Roseann Thompson, said, “We’re pleased to be able to offer a variety of fundraising challenges and events this year and hope there’s something for everyone. By taking part in one of our events or challenges, people can have fun while also helping to ensure we can continue to provide free, specialist palliative care to adults in our local community. We’re so grateful to everyone who takes part, donates or cheers on our participants.”

Jess Green, Occupational Therapist at Katharine House Hospice, took on a skydive in 2025. Looking back on the experience, she said, “If you are thinking about doing something like this, go for it! You never know what you are capable of until you try.”