Supporters rally behind Nightsafe with gruelling fundraising efforts

A local youth homeless charity is set to benefit from two gruelling fundraising challenges organised by colleagues at Plumbase Darwen. 

Nightsafe supports young people aged 16-25 across Blackburn with Darwen and surrounding areas who are experiencing homelessness or crisis.

The charity provides safe emergency and supported accommodation for vulnerable young people, alongside access to hot meals, showers and laundry facilities at its day centre, Platform 5. 

 To help fund these vital services, two members of staff at Plumbase Darwen are taking on significant physical challenges in 2026 on behalf of the charity. 

On 13 June, Steven Collinge, manager of Plumbase Darwen, will swim one mile in Lake Windermere as part of the Great North Swim – one of the UK’s most well-known open water swimming events. Later in the year, on 10 October, assistant manager Brendan Mason will tackle Tough Mudder Manchester 2026, taking on a demanding course filled with obstacles. 

Plumbase has supported Nightsafe on several occasions in the past, raising funds through a variety of activities. Most recently, Brendan climbed Snowdon in July, raising over £500 for the charity. 

Steven said: “Nightsafe does incredible work supporting young people in our community who are going through really difficult situations.

"The Great North Swim will push me, but it’s a small challenge compared to what many of these young people face. We’re proud to be doing our bit to help.” 

Nicola Roscoe, Head of Operations at Nightsafe, added: “We are so thankful to Steven, Brendan and the whole team at Plumbase for their continued commitment to supporting Nightsafe.

"Community fundraising is vital to us, and the money raised will help ensure young people have access to services they need to move forward with confidence and hope.” 

Funds raised from both challenges will go directly towards supporting Nightsafe’s frontline services and helping vulnerable young people in the local area build brighter, more stable futures. 

Donations can be made to Steven’s Great North Swim challenge here: https://bit.ly/4l59to0

Supporters can also back Brendan’s Tough Mudder Manchester 2026 challenge donating here: https://bit.ly/4ubZH7I