UK Marketers Launch Challenge for Change, a Global Movement to Empower Children’s Futures

A diverse group of marketeers, business leaders and volunteers from across the UK, Australia and South Africa, have come together to launch a global movement that will make a lasting, as well as local impact. The initiative, named Challenge for Change, aims to fundraise to help children’s futures worldwide.

Taking place in September 2025, Challenge for Change encourages people and groups to run, walk, cycle or swim, transcending all borders and bringing individuals and communities together.

Every step, every kilometre, every effort contributes to a brighter future, transforming the lives of children in need.

The campaign is fully inclusive, welcoming participants of all abilities. Whether you’re a pensioner, an ultra-marathoner or a school organising a sponsored event, Challenge for Change allows people to set their own kilometre targets, from 1 kilometre to many, many more. Participants can also choose the children’s cause they wish to support via JustGiving, making each kilometre deeply personal. Participants are encouraged to complete their chosen distance over the 30 days of September 2025, ensuring that all efforts contribute to this transformative cause.

David Fenton, the Founder of the project, and a Regional Director for The Marketing Centre, said: “27 years ago, my wife and I had twin sons, who were born prematurely and went into special care for a period. They had fabulous support from BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support) – we always wanted to give something back to them. So, a few years ago I walked over 600 miles around England to raise funds. I was amazed and humbled by the support that I got, all through Covid conditions and challenging times for everyone. Waiting staff in pubs and cafes gave me their tips – and I could tell what it meant to them.

In the summer of 2024, I decided I wanted to go bigger, better and bolder than England. More importantly was to tap into – and encourage – this incredible generosity, desire to help, that so many people have, and to provide a framework for them to channel it.

“Together, our goal is to cover 41,000 kilometres—equivalent to the distance around the globe—to raise funds for local charities that provide life-changing support to children in need.

“I have a fantastic steering group who are volunteering their time and ideas to help launch the challenge – I could not do this without them. In my discussions with potential participants from across the world, from the UK to Australia and South Africa, I heard that many people want to “help others” – they just don’t know how to. Well now they do and now they can!”

Jamie Kelly, Founder of Studio Up North, a brand strategy and design agency, said: “It has been incredible to work alongside David and the rest of the team to build the Challenge for Change brand, and the project has been a joy to work on. David is ultra passionate, and has pulled together a superb team of marketers to ensure that we can create the best platform possible to help this inspiring cause, and make a real difference in the lives of children.

“I love trail and fell running and I am aiming to complete 120 km during September, whilst getting the rest of the SUN team involved too. What I love about this challenge is that it’s not about how far you go, how you do it, or your ability, it’s about doing what you can. 120k for me is ambitious, but I know the drive to raise funds for such a worthy cause will motivate me to go beyond my limits.

”All marketeers working on the project are doing so pro-bono, with the steering group comprising a wide range of marketing backgrounds.

To sign up for Challenge for Change as a participant, ambassador or sponsor please contact the team through the website challengeforchange.org.uk

Check out The Marketing Centre RIA Member profile here  .