Fundraising Events

PAC-UK staff and supporters participate in a number of regular sporting and fundraising events each year. If you arrange your own event and would like to nominate PAC-UK to benefit from the proceeds, please do let us know. Thank you so much for thinking of us at these key times in your life.

For all events related enquiries please email events@family-action.org.uk or phone 020 7254 6251.

Every penny you raise will contribute towards PAC-UK's vital work with adults, children and families affected by adoption and/or other forms of permanent care. Your help will make a real difference to people struggling with the impact of a traumatic past. We really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations!


Example events include:

Brighton Marathon
Brighton Marathon

The famous Brighton Marathon course!

The Brighton Marathon is one of the UK’s favourite 26.2-milers. With a stunning backdrop of the sea in one of the country’s most vibrant cities, the race gets bigger and better every year.

Renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and roaring crown support, the course winds through the city streets, finishing up on the spectacular Brighton seafront.

Please email events@family-action.org.uk if you're interested in running for PAC-UK in the next Brighton Marathon.


Simplyhealth Great North Run

Stuart, Tanya and Leon with their GNR medals!

The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world, taking place annually in North East England each September. Over 57,000 participants run between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields, passing their way over the iconic Tyne Bridge and finishing on the beautiful North Sea coast.

In 2017, PAC-UK participated in the Great North Run for the first time! The PAC-UK Team made up of Stuart Hannah (Child & Family Practice Manager), Tanya Killick (Adopteens & Projects Practice Manager) and Leon Elias (National Operational Lead) set off from Leeds at 6.00am (!) to get to the start line in good time.

Please email events@family-action.org.uk if you're interested in running for PAC-UK in the next Great North Run.


Virgin Money London Marathon

We'll support you all the way to that famous finish line!

Whether a marathon is your natural next step, or the thought of 26.2 miles seems like an impossible mission, the buzz around this event is like no other. With thousands of people lining the roads to scream your name, the Virgin Money London Marathon really is an experience that will live with you forever.

We'll support you all the way to that famous finish line. From day one, we'll be on hand with training and fundraising tips, we’ll provide your own personalised running vest to wear on the day, and will you will receive support from our cheer station to give you a boost on your way to the finish!

Please email events@family-action.org.uk if you're interested in running for PAC-UK in the next London Marathon.


Royal Parks Half Marathon

Join PAC-UK in London’s favourite Half Marathon!

The stunning 13.1 mile route takes in the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

As well as running through these historic parks, competitors also take in iconic landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.

Please email events@family-action.org.uk if you're interested in running for PAC-UK in the next Royal Parks Half Marathon.


Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge

Take on the Marathon 10k or the Ultra Marathon 25k in your own time!

The Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge is your chance to take on an iconic marathon swimming distance in your own time. You can choose to take on the Marathon 10k or the Ultra Marathon 25k, swimming as often as you like, at a venue/pool of your choosing to achieve your distance challenge.

In addition to the virtual challenge, Marathon Swims is returning to the London Aquatics Centre, on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park later this year. Event dates to be announced soon.

Please email events@family-action.org.uk if you're interested in swimming for PAC-UK in the next Marathon Swims Challenge.


Making a donation

You can make a donation to PAC-UK via our website donation forms or JustGiving account!

You can make regular and single, one-off donations using a debit or credit card via our website donation forms and JustGiving account. It’s quick, easy, secure and you'll be making a difference today.

You can also send a cheque payable to Family Action (with 'Reference PAC-UK' written on the back) to PAC-UK's London office:

PAC-UK, Family Action Head Office, 34 Wharf Road, London, N1 7GR


PAC-UK Fundraisers

London Landmarks Half Marathon 2018 - Jez Joseph

“I really learnt a lot about myself and my capabilities and will take that with me through the rest of life. I was stunned by the energy I found on the day, people shouting my name to help spur me on! I remember thinking I was near the end and seeing a sign saying 'U-turn ahead', and when once upon a time I would have stropped and given up, I just took a deep breath and used everything I had left in the tank to push my self over the finish line!"

Note: Jez raised over £500 for PAC-UK!


Regent's Park 10k 2017 - Shannon, Sam & Allana

Our Regent's Park 10k 2017 Team included PAC-UK Team Administrator, Shannon O'Neill who was joined by her mum (Sam) and sister (Allana).

"It was a lovely morning, we thoroughly enjoyed it! All runners and marshals were extremely supportive and there was a real sense of community throughout the day. A huge thank you to everyone who sent messages of encouragement and support and to all those who sponsored us!"

 Note: Shannon, Sam and Allana raised over £500 for PAC-UK!


Great North Run 2017 - Stuart, Tanya & Leon

"It was a really inspiring day, so many stories of human resilience and spirit! Truly heart-warming to be involved and to be the first ever PAC-UK Team to compete in the Great North Run made it even more special for us. A massive thank you to everyone for all the messages of support and very generous donations, they really kept us going on the day when we felt like we were on our last legs!"

Note: Our team made up of PAC-UK staff all completed the run in excellent times and raised over £1,000 for PAC-UK!


Ride London to Surrey 2016 - Juho Lahdenpera

“I had a great day out at Ridelondon! The route was fantastic and even the weather was good. Definitely worth the 3.30am wake up for a 6am start. The ride was quicker than I thought, I finished in 4 hours 47 minutes, cheered on by the crowds and motivated by raising funds for a great cause. My shoulder held up well despite the injury only four weeks before the event.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored me and PAC-UK, it made this event very special for me!”


Confident of survival at this point

Skydive 2015 - Sophie Kemp

"The free fall was like nothing I'd ever imagined. I felt like I was never going to stop falling and it was absolutely breathtaking (quite literally!). The parachute was deployed after about 30 seconds and then I could begin to take in the amazing views. All in all, it was the most amazing experience of my life and I would jump (again, quite literally) at the chance to do it again!”

Note: Sophie, who completed her skydive wearing Frank Skinner's old Elvis pants exceeded her £1,000 target raising £1,400 for PAC-UK!


harry walton

RideLondon to Surrey 100 2014 - Harry Walton

"Why PAC-UK? Well, I’ve grown up in a close and caring family, and never had to think about what it means not to have that stability. My family are the most important people in my life, and I would be lost without them.

It can’t be easy for anyone affected by adoption, and I hope that you will generously sponsor me so that PAC-UK can maintain its essential work with all those who are in need of expert support.”

If you are a keen cyclist and would be interested in riding for PAC-UK email events@family-action.org.uk


bm medal

Brighton Marathon 2013 - Mark Blake

“I ran the Brighton marathon on behalf of PAC-UK for the very simple reason that working with offenders and ex-offenders I have seen the damage that the UK's care system inflicts on to many children and young people.

Adoption is one of the best ways of giving kids who have ended up in the care of the state through no fault of their own the opportunity of a loving home and improved life chances.”

Note: Mark completed the course and raised £913 for PAC-UK!


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RideLondon to Surrey 100 2013 - Phil Skinner & Kevin Jones

“It was an awesome day” says Kevin. “I completed the ride an hour under my expected time, and just under the five hour mark.....this was mainly achieved through not stopping, which did leave me with a numb bum!

My time was in the same zone as the fastest rider, who was just over four hours, and a bit better than Boris Johnson, who did it in eight!”

Note: Kevin and Phil completed the course in excellent times, and raised £1,500 for PAC-UK!


Leon Elias

London Marathon 2012 - Leon Elias

“On the day of the marathon it was exactly one year since I started working for PAC-UK. Over that time I've learned a lot about the great work that PAC-UK does. I've always wanted to run a marathon, but to do it for such a worthy cause was really special.

A massive thank you to everyone for all the messages of support and very generous donations, they really kept me going on the day when I felt like I was on my last legs!”

Note: Leon completed the course and raised £2,000 for PAC-UK!