Introducing the Red Balloon Learner Centre, Cambridge, our new Charity Partner for the Red Balloon 5k, which runs alongside the fourth edition of the Northstowe Half Marathon on the 27th April 2025.
Following the successes of our previous charity 5k races, the Fullscope 5k, Be Prepared 5k and Acorn 5k, we are excited to welcome our newest charity partner and the Red Balloon 5k. Each year we are proud to support a local charity and make a meaningful difference to their fundraising by donating all the profit from the 5k race. So far we have helped our partner charities raise in excess of £6000 and as a growing event we are looking forward to improving this year-on-year.
Red Balloon Learner Centre, Cambridge was the first of a number of Red Balloon Centres created to support young people aged between 11 and 18 who have self-excluded from mainstream education. The original Red Balloon was established in the centre of Cambridge in 1996 and over time has expanded to meet the growing need of young people unable to attend mainstream schools, recently moving to a new premises in Milton. Young people from a variety of backgrounds, who have experienced significant challenges, are helped to regain confidence in themselves as learners, build social skills, and gain academic qualifications in order to take ownership of their future. For some, at times, ‘normal’ life seemed impossible.
“Red Balloon has really given me my life back. I can’t thank them enough.”
The centre’s aim is to help the students feel able to thrive in their later life. Firstly, they provide a safe, friendly and welcoming space where people really know each other and build mutual trust and respect; barriers towards learning and interaction can start to be broken down. In addition to promoting social connections, students are offered qualifications such as GCSEs, ASDAN, Project Qualifications, and Entry Levels to build their confidence and help them gain a place at a college or apprenticeship in the future. Flexibility for each student allows the best opportunity for experiencing success and positive outcomes.
“Red Balloon absolutely prepared me for the future. It taught me a lot about managing social interactions as well as treating others as equal.”
Jessica Lechner, Coordinator of the Red Balloon Learner Centre – Cambridge, says: “We are honoured to have been chosen by the Northstowe Half Marathon and 5k as their charity for this year’s event. It means a great deal to us as a small local charity, and we have grand plans for how to put any funds raised to good use, including putting it towards creating additional teaching and therapeutic ‘pods’ in our garden.”
If you would like to support Red Balloon, they have a number of places available to run in either the Red Balloon 5k or the Northstowe Half Marathon 2025 for a minimum sponsorship commitment. Other ways to support include volunteering at the event, making a donation or by entering and running in the 5k race. Please join us in making this a great event for all involved!
Please contact Sarah Deboys at sarah.deboys@cambridge.rblc.org.uk for more information.
Find out more about Red Balloon Learner Centre, Cambridge
