Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Louise Corrigan decided to take a three month sabbatical from work and complete the South West Coast Path to raise funds for Go Beyond. Along the way, she visited our Coastal Centre in Tywardreath, Cornwall. Her visit inspired her to volunteer on a week-long Go Beyond break which she describes as non-stop fun. Following that, Louise decided to submit her name into our draw for a place in the London Marathon and we’re delighted to announce that she will be completing the 26.2 mile route for Go Beyond in April 2024. Louise describes her whole experience as having such an impact, and that she knows she will continue to support Go Beyond in future.
How did you hear about Go Beyond?
Last year when I walked the South West Coast Path I wanted to support a local charity, and when I found out that Go Beyond supported children to have breaks in Cornwall, where I was going to spend time walking, it seemed like a perfect fit.
What inspired you to volunteer with Go Beyond?
I visited the centre while I was walking the South West Coast Path. I came to visit as I was walking through and saw the beautiful site and met some of the lovely staff that worked there. The stories that they told me about the amazing breaks, and how much the children enjoyed their time there inspired me to volunteer at the centre. It sounded like a lot of fun, and it was great to see all the activities that they had on offer for the young people.
How much did you know about Go Beyond beforehand?
Not very much! But having volunteered and seen the amazing work that Go Beyond does, I definitely think more people should be aware of this great charity.
Why did you choose to walk the South West Coast path?
Following Covid, I decided to take a 3 month sabbatical from work to spend some time away from home and out of the office! I have always loved visiting the South West (originally being from Bristol, I’ve had lots of childhood holidays there) and I’ve walked some sections of the SW Coast Path before, but I really wanted to walk it in its entirety. It seemed like a great physical challenge and also a great opportunity to spend more time outdoors and in a lovely part of the world. Although the walking was tiring, it was also very calming, and also provided the opportunity to be reflective. I started walking in February last year, and although I encountered some storms (like Storm Eunice!) I also had lots of sunny days. I met and walked with lots of people along the way, some friends and family visited me at the weekends, and I had lots of support from Go Beyond. Knowing that I was raising money for a great charity was a good incentive to keep moving.
What was your experience of fundraising for Go Beyond?
Go Beyond were so supportive during my fundraising, helping me set up an online JustGiving page, sending me information about the charity so I could better understand what the money I was raising would be going towards, and also checking in with me along the journey. I also visited the centre along the way – and the tea and cake they gave was much welcome after 5 weeks of walking! Everyone I met through the charity was so grateful, so encouraging and so supportive, and it really helped me to endure and persevere with the challenge. I also got balloons and a certificate as I reached the final marker, after 7 weeks of walking, and it was so thoughtful that some of the staff from Go Beyond came to meet me and thank me in person, I really felt like everything I had done, had made a real difference and was really important.
Can you describe your volunteering experience, what did you enjoy the most and what did you find most challenging?
I really enjoyed the volunteering experience. At first, I was a bit daunted as everything was new to me, but the training and support from the staff did help to put me at ease. Once the children showed up it didn’t take long for me to start learning their names and playing with them. We just had so much fun from start to finish, it was non stop fun! We played lots of games from basketball to chess, and trampolining to darts! We did arts and crafts and watched films, and we even went off site to do rock climbing and soft play. At times, I forgot I was even volunteering because I was just having so much fun playing with the young people and getting involved with all the activities. The atmosphere that the staff created on the break was amazing, it was really lots of fun, and the young people were very helpful and respectful. It was so lovely to sit down for meals together too, and by the end of the week, it felt like family. I was exhausted by all the activities, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Did volunteering for Go Beyond live up to your expectations?
Volunteering really exceeded my expectations and I really can’t wait to visit again. While we had lots of laughs, it also felt meaningful and a special holiday to have been a part of.
What surprised you the most about your volunteering week?
I was surprised how quickly the days went and how well everyone got along, staff, young people and volunteers developed bonds and friendships really quickly, which meant that there was a great atmosphere all week.
What change did you see with the children over the course of a week?
Lots of the children really developed in confidence over the week, through building friendships and building courage and resilience. They learnt lots of new skills, tried new foods (!) and new activities, and they were all brave to have spent a week away with a new group of people. It was great getting to know people over the week.
What was your favourite activity during the week?
I loved going for a walk on the beach, well I do love walking on the coast! It was nice to have a chat with new friends, and to look for pretty rocks and shells along the way, and draw pictures in the sand.
Would you recommend volunteering at Go Beyond to others?
I would definitely recommend volunteering! It was such a welcoming and supportive environment, and everyone wants you to enjoy the week. There’s loads of fun activities to do with the kids, and it’s nice to be able to help out with the washing up and tidying up to give the staff some support, as they work so hard and do an amazing job. Staying on site is great, and the food is amazing – I was so well fed and looked after. But most importantly, you can really see and experience the difference that the breaks has for the young people, and it’s an amazing thing to be a part of. I was so pleased to have given my time to such a meaningful cause.
Was there any particular highlight for you when fundraising or volunteering?
The only thing I can say is that the whole experience has had such an impact, that I know I will continue to support the charity in future.
What would you say to encourage other people to fundraise for Go Beyond?
Go Beyond is a wonderful charity that brings fun and joy to children by taking them out of their everyday lives and taking them on holiday to play games, do activities and have fun. The money raised by the charity puts smiles on the faces of young people, they create meaningful friendships and memories, and it’s an amazing charity to support.
Interested in volunteering or fundraising for Go Beyond? Get in touch with the team by emailing info@gobeyond.org.uk.
