Incredible volunteers from across Dorset came together to take on the epic Dorset Plane Pull challenge over the August Bank Holiday and raise vital funds to support Home-Start Wessex’s life-changing work with local families.
The charity, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, put together a team of 20 to pull a Boeing 737 at this year’s Dorset Plane Pull, the UK’s only charity event of its kind. The fantastic volunteers not only took on a phenomenal physical challenge but also raised £2,625 in the process.
Home-Start Wessex offers friendship, practical support and emotional advice to parents in Dorset with at least one child under 5 when they are in crisis, providing specialist groups and one-to-one home visits.
Dorset Plane Pull is the country’s most unique fundraising event. Teams of 20 people determined to do good enter to pull a Boeing 737 weighing in at 35,000 Kg a distance of 50 metres. Since its founding in 2009, the event has raised over £340,000 for charities.
“Our incredible team pulled a 35,000kg plane in just 35.63 seconds – what an achievement!” said Darren Lewis, Community Fundraising and Events Officer at Home-Start Wessex. “A big thank you to the team and everyone who has donated so far. Your support truly makes a difference.
In under a minute of intense hard work, these volunteers and their supporters have made a life-changing difference to local families. Their strength, spirit, and support mean the world to us and the families we stand beside.
With more people in crisis, more families becoming homeless, and more parents struggling with their mental health than ever before, our service is in high demand. There are still hundreds of families we need to help. We know we can make a massive difference if we have enough funds to continue our work.”
Over the last year, the charity has transformed 1,716 lives, helping a record 526 families. Their reach covers the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, the whole of the BCP Council area, including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, across the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire, going as far north as Cranborne and Fordingbridge and as far east as New Milton – a huge area with a population of over 650,000, including many pockets of high-level deprivation.
The charity is actively recruiting kind, compassionate volunteers to offer emotional and practical support to parents with young children across Dorset. If you could spare a few hours a week to help local families through challenging times and make a difference in your community, please contact heidi@homestartwessex.org.uk. No experience is needed – just a big heart and a listening ear, as full training and ongoing support are provided.