As communities across the North East continue to face growing challenges around housing, wellbeing and opportunities for young people, YMCA North Tyneside is urging individuals, businesses and community groups to sign up for its Sunrise to Sunset Coastal Challenge next month.
Taking place on Saturday 28 March 2026, the 32km guided walk from Druridge Bay to North Shields forms part of the charity’s wider mission to support more vulnerable people across the region through fundraising, community engagement and essential local services.
Starting at Cresswell, Crow’s Nest in Druridge Bay, the challenge will walk from first light through till dusk, finishing at YMCA North Tyneside’s building in North Shields. Participants will make their way along the beautiful North East coastline guided by experienced leaders from Alexander Adventures, passing historic landmarks, wide sandy beaches and vibrant seaside towns. Designed to unite communities and celebrate the place they call home, the event will be raising funds for local youth services, safe housing, wellbeing support and community initiatives delivered by YMCA North Tyneside.
Open to anyone ready to take on the challenge, people can sign up as individuals or as part of a group. The experience offers more than the physical achievement, but gives the chance for people to meet new faces, experience the coastline in a unique way and play an active role in supporting young people and families who rely on YMCA North Tyneside’s services.
For those unable to take part in the walk itself, sponsoring or donating to a participant gives another meaningful way to get involved and contribute to the impact the challenge will have locally.
Rachel Harrison, Fundraising Coordinator at YMCA North Tyneside, spoke about the importance of events like this for YMCA North Tyneside, saying,
“Every day we see the difference our services make to young people and families who need support, stability and opportunity. This challenge is about standing beside them. It is about local people backing their community and showing that, together, we can create real change. Whether someone walks the full distance or sponsors a participant, everyone is helping us continue the work that changes lives across North Tyneside and beyond.”
The challenge has been designed to be inclusive and achievable, guided at a steady pace with support throughout the day, as well as lunch, refreshments and a finish line celebration for participants. Each walker is asked to raise between £200 and £250, helping ensure YMCA North Tyneside can continue delivering lifeline services for young people, families and individuals across the region.
From the Himalayas to Northumberland. Having spent 20 years scaling the Himalayas, conquering the world’s highest mountains and exploring terrains that cover 70% of the globe, Joe Alexander has seen it all. Yet, despite those epic heights, he maintains that the best place in the world is the Northumberland coastline.
Joe Alexander, Founder and Lead Expedition Leader at Alexander Adventures, added:
“There is something powerful about walking along the coastline from sunrise to sunset. You see the landscape shift, you share the journey with others, and you realise what you are capable of. This challenge is not just about adventure, but about purpose.
People will finish knowing they have experienced something special while supporting a cause that creates a real impact in their own region.”
YMCA North Tyneside hope the Sunrise to Sunset Coastal Challenge will become a standout community event, bringing people together not only to push their limits but to rally behind a cause that supports thousands of people every year.
Places are limited, and early sign-up is encouraged via: https://ymcanorthtyneside.org/sunrise-to-sunset-coastal-challenge/
Anyone unable to take part can still support by donating or sponsoring a walker, helping ensure YMCA North Tyneside can continue strengthening communities and creating brighter futures across the North East.
