We’re thrilled to share that our 2025 charity partner, Red Balloon Learner Centre Cambridge, raised a phenomenal £8,667.66 through this year’s Northstowe Half Marathon and Red Balloon 5K!
This incredible total includes:
- £1,703 raised by students
- £1,701 raised by staff
- £3,300 from other individual fundraisers
- £146 collected at the Red Balloon stall on the day
- And £1,817.66, donated from the profits of the Red Balloon 5K event itself
One of the most entertaining subplots in the lead-up to the big day was the friendly fundraising rivalry between Red Balloon’s staff and students. With determination and creativity on both sides, the totals were neck-and-neck for weeks — but in a brilliant twist, it was the students who clinched the win, raising an astonishing £2 more than their teachers! A light-hearted victory, perhaps, but one that captures the spirit of this passionate and united school community.
Red Balloon provides full-time education and wellbeing support to young people who have self-excluded from mainstream school due to trauma and mental health challenges. Their mission — to help students reclaim their future — is one we were incredibly proud to support.
As Sarah from Red Balloon put it:
“Our staff, students, parents and trustees threw themselves into preparing for the event — including training for the running events, designing the 5K medals, planning games and activities at our stall, and volunteering around the course. There were probably fifty people representing Red Balloon Cambridge in some form or another at the event, and we are immensely proud of them all.”
The day itself was packed with heart-warming and unforgettable moments:
– Rupert, a student who had only just turned 17, completed the half marathon
– Tasha, a parent, finished the 5K with her walking frame
– Eddie, another student, ran the 5K dressed in a dinosaur costume
– Red Balloon’s stall was a hive of activity, full of games, colour, and community spirit
– And Red Balloon volunteers could be seen all around the course, helping runners and cheering them on in the sunshine
“We had an absolute blast on the day,” Sarah added. “Huge thanks to the volunteers who stood in the sun all day handing out water or giving directions. You are all incredible.”
We couldn’t agree more. A massive thank you to everyone who ran, donated, cheered, volunteered, or stopped by to support — and a special shout-out to the Red Balloon community for pouring their hearts into the event. It was a celebration of resilience, joy, and what’s possible when a community comes together.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and partners
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Their contributions not only enhanced the experience for all participants but also enabled us to donate the profits from the Red Balloon 5K directly to our charity partner. We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors: Greenbelt Group, Athletic Brewing Company, SkyTech Cambridge, Velous Footwear, and Phoenix Events (East) Ltd. and to our event partners: Cambridge Luxury Bakes, Bushel Box Farm Shop, Longstanton & Northstowe Limpers, Race Time Result, Northstowe Town Council, Homes England, Soothe, and Cambridge Independent.
Your support made a significant difference, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our community.
We can’t wait to do it all again next year. The 2026 charity partner will be announced soon