What a day for Phil and his incredible 6 million pound (lbs) weightlifting challenge!

Today was extra special as Phil has just reached the amazing 2 MILLION pounds milestone in his challenge — and what better way to make it special than with a visit from BBC 3 Counties Radio presenter Justin Dealey, who came along to Lea Manor Recreation Centre to interview Phil in the gym and discover more about his incredible fundraising journey.

Justin was seriously impressed by the weight Phil is lifting and had to have a go at the weights himself! Let’s just say he soon discovered that Phils’ challenge is not as easy as it looks!

A huge THANK YOU to Justin and BBC 3 Counties for taking the time to come along, chat to Phil and take such an interest in what he is doing and learn more about his passion for supporting @CHUMS. It was lovely to have Justin there to celebrate the 2 million pound (lbs) milestone with Phil.

Justin will be back at the gym on the 21st December, when Phil completes his mighty 6 million Pounds Weight challenge to raise 6 million pennies for CHUMS…. £60k!

But there’s still a long way to go……

If you’d like to support Phil and help him reach that incredible 60 million pennies target , you can donate here:

Thank you to everyone who has supported Phil so far — every donation, share, message, and bit of encouragement is really spurring Phil along.

So we are 2 million down and only another 4million to go!

It was wonderful to see so many golfers come together, enjoy a great day out on the course, and, most importantly, know that they were making a real difference to the children, young people and families supported by CHUMS.

A huge shout-out to the amazing sponsors who supported the day. Atlas Facilities Management , The Orange Tree Pub Restaurant and Farm Shop in Sawbridgeworth, and Spotted in Harlow, whose generosity and support helped to make the day successful.

Support like this allows us to continue delivering vital therapeutic support across all our services. Last year alone, we were able to provide this support to 2,548 people at a time when they needed it most.

Thank you, Jason, for your continued support for CHUMS. Your dedication and generosity will help to make a difference.

To everyone who played, sponsored, supported, and helped make the day an enjoyable success – Thank you for being part of a fantastic day!

Last Sunday, a group of the team took on an impressive 12km sponsored walk around Old Warden and Shuttleworth in the scorching sunshine , raising funds for our baby loss support service in loving memory of Lennie. What a really beautiful way to honour his memory.

So far this year, the team have brought their colleagues together , organising a Eurovision Sweepstake, a World Cup Sweepstake, raffles and other fun fundraising activities, and we can't wait to see what creative ideas they come up with over the rest of the year.

Support like this means so much to us. Every fundraiser, every raffle and every sponsored challenge helps CHUMS continue being there for children, young people and families across our community, providing specialist support through some of life's most difficult moments — whether that is through our Babyloss Service, Trauma Service, Recreational and Therapeutic Service, Bedfordshire Suicide Bereavement, Friendship Scheme or Bereavement Service or our other vital services.

If you are inspired to support us, either in your workplace, business, school or community group, we would love to hear from you. Whether it's choosing us as your Charity of the Year, organising a fundraising event, taking on a sponsored challenge or bringing people together for a fun activity, every ounce of support we receive, allows us to reach more families.

Thank you again to the wonderful HR Team at Central Bedfordshire Council. We really do value your dedication, generosity and the difference you are making for CHUMS and the families we support.

His commitment to young people has taken him all the way to 10 Downing Street, and he has also featured in a BBC documentary with Gareth Southgate.

But it’s Dan’s passion for supporting young people’s mental health that makes him such a brilliant fit for CHUMS.

We’re incredibly excited to have Dan joining us as an Ambassador and helping us raise awareness of the work we do to support children, young people and their families.

Please join us in giving Dan a very warm welcome to CHUMS!

CHUMS does such important work providing vital mental health and emotional wellbeing support to children, young people and families. Additional funding like this will help to make a real difference.

So please, take a couple of minutes to nominate CHUMS.

Simply email Bartonleclay@taylorwimpey-pr.co.uk

All you need to do is nominate CHUMS Charity and include a few words explaining why you think CHUMS deserves the £1,000 and how the funding could benefit the local community.

Nominations close at midnight on Thursday 3 September 2026.

Please share this post with your friends, family and colleagues so they can get nominating too.

We would absolutely love to see CHUMS receive this funding. £1,000 could make a real difference, so please take a couple of minutes to nominate and help spread the word.

Thank you so much for your support.

#CHUMSishope#BartonLeClay#Bedfordshire#CommunitySupport#MentalHealth#localcharity

Our amazing supporter Phil begins an extraordinary challenge to raise £60,000 for CHUMS.

At 80 years old, Phil will be taking on an incredible test of strength and resilience by lifting an astonishing 6 million lbs in weights between now and Christmas at Lea Manor Recreation Centre. Right by his side and every step of the way will be his loyal companion, his guide dog, Humbug. 🦮❤️

Phil is one of those very special volunteers and supporters who always goes above and beyond to help others, and this challenge is no different. His determination, commitment and generosity are truly inspiring, and he’s proving that no challenge is too big when it’s for the cause he truly believes in.

Now it’s our turn to get behind him! 🧡

Please support Phil however you can. Whether you donate, share his fundraising page or simply follow his journey and cheer him on, every bit of support will help him reach his incredible goal.

The money raised will help CHUMS continue supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, young people, and families, when they need it most. 🧡 💜

DONATE NOW

https://www.justgiving.com/page/philip-rutter-2

Thank you Phil, for your unwavering loyalty to CHUMS. We’ll be cheering you and Humbug on to reach your target.