Race Across Oxfordshire contestants given travel boost for charity mission

Kind-hearted Oxford Bus Company is helping local businesses compete in a mammoth charity challenge inspired by a hit BBC show.

Twenty teams of two will compete in a 10-hour Race Across Oxfordshire challenge with restricted use of phones, limited money and a series of tasks to complete in support of Homeless Oxfordshire. 

The mission, inspired by BBC One’s Race Across the World, will help towards tackling homelessness in Oxfordshire.

And to support the event, Oxford Bus Company has donated £600 worth of GoAnywhere tickets to cover each of the 40 competitors to help them complete the mission with access to free bus and coach travel.

They will be able to travel across the extensive Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and Pulhams network on the day. 

Taking place on Monday 11th May, the challenge will see teams travel between secret checkpoints across Oxfordshire while completing tasks that test their patience, resilience, and problem-solving skills. The event begins and ends at the Voco Oxford Spires Hotel on Abingdon Road, Oxford.

Tim Wraith, Partnerships Fundraising Manager at Homeless Oxfordshire, said: “We’re really excited for our first-ever Race Across Oxfordshire, which will test resilience and teamwork while raising vital funds.

“We’ve received fantastic support locally and we’re incredibly grateful for the very generous donation made by Oxford Bus Company.

“The bus tickets will enable a smoother running to the day. We are keen to make this our flagship event, so any way that can help it be a huge success has been warmly welcomed.

“While raising money is always important, this event will also allow us to raise the profile of the charity.”

Teams paid a £200 sign-up fee, with each team committing to raising a minimum of £1,000, with the event aiming to raise £30,000 overall.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “When we were approached by Homeless Oxfordshire to contribute to this event, we didn’t hesitate to show our support.

“We have deep roots in the Oxfordshire community and are proud to help various initiatives where we can. This is an important cause and we’re fortunate to have such a dedicated local charity committed to helping people experiencing homelessness.

“We’d like to wish the teams taking part in Race Across Oxfordshire the very best of luck on the day.”

Homeless Oxfordshire is the county’s largest not-for-profit provider of supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.

The charity is a specialist in supporting those whose complex needs are often the result of lifelong challenges such as poverty, childhood trauma, substance and alcohol use, institutional care, and deep social exclusion.

Each night, the charity accommodates 170 people across the county who are experiencing homelessness.