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The challenge

Q. Where and how?

The aim of the Big Winter Roam challenge is to ensure accessibility to all, so you’re free to complete your miles however you’d like and wherever you’d like. That could be a treadmill, walks on lunch breaks, and if you want to challenge yourself to do further then we’ll be here to support you. It is always worth scouting out your route in advance to make sure there are no issues, for example private land or unsuitable surfacing. Make sure you have appropriate footwear for your walk and dress for the weather, the rest is up to you. 

Q. I struggle with mobility. Can I still take part?

Of course, you can complete your miles whatever way suits you, for example on a mobility scooter. We want to make sure everyone can get involved in this event, regardless of your abilities. 

Q. When can I sign up?

Registrations are open now for the 2024 Big Winter Roam and will close on 10 February 2024.

Q. How far do I have to walk?

You can decide which of the following distances best suits you:  

  • 15 miles
  • 50 miles
  • 100 miles

Q. When do I do my miles?

You can choose to walk your miles at any time across any number of strolling sessions throughout the month of February. Whatever works for you works for us.

Q. Can I start the challenge late or early?

Of course! You can do your walk whenever you like. However, if you can, we'd suggest joining in during February when many fellow challengers will be stepping out and completing their miles. That way, we can ensure to send you the right information to make the most of your challenge and fundraising for the cats.

Q. Do I have to do the distance in one go?

No, you can complete the miles at any time over any number of sessions throughout February.

Q. How do I keep track of my distance?

There are lots of apps you can use to track your distance but we recommend Strava. Alternatively, you can map out your route in advance or after your walk and record the distance. You can also keep track of your miles using the downloadable mile tracker which you will find in your registration confirmation email. If you have any questions about tracking your miles, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 960. 

Q. What if I don't complete the challenge?

We want the challenge to be open to everyone, so do whatever you can. You know yourself better than anyone, so please don’t push yourself to complete the challenge if this falls beyond your limits.

Q. Do I need to send evidence of my walk once completed?

You don’t need to provide screenshots of your distance or route as evidence, but if you’re keen to share this with us we’d love to see where you wandered! Feel free to share your Big Winter Roam journey with us by emailing us at events@cats.org.uk or by posting in our Team Cats Facebook group.

Q. Can under 18s take part?

If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must register for the Big Winter Roam on your behalf and anyone under the age of 18 participating in the Big Winter Roam should complete their challenge accompanied by a responsible adult. Please ensure that the distance you choose to complete through this challenge (15, 50 or 100 miles) is appropriate for you or your child’s age and ability. 

Q. Can under 18s join the Facebook group?

No, sorry. To join the Facebook group, you need to be over 18. 

Q. I am concerned about my health, what should I do?

Do not undertake this challenge if you have any concerns about your health and wellbeing without consulting a doctor. This is a physical challenge and should not be undertaken lightly.

Q. Why should I take on the Big Winter Roam challenge?

You’ll feel amazing inside and out as you accomplish your Big Winter Roam challenge. Not only will this challenge get you roaming in the fresh winter air, but importantly, each step you take will be a step towards a better life for cats across the UK.

Fundraising

Q. Do I have to fundraise?

No, but we would be incredibly grateful if you chose to raise additional funds for us. Your £20 signup fee will go a long way to support our work, but by getting sponsored for your challenge you could have an even greater impact on the cats that need our help. 

Q. Which fundraising platform should I use?

When you register for the Big Winter Roam, we will share with you a link to JustGiving where you can set up your own Big Winter Roam JustGiving page.

Q. How does the money from my fundraiser page get to Cats Protection?

This happens automatically, you don’t need to do anything.

Q. Can I raise money on an online platform other than JustGiving?

We’d prefer you raise the money through JustGiving but if that doesn’t work for you we would suggest Enthuse.

Q. I’ve got two fundraising pages, can I combine the two?

Unfortunately not, but rest assured that all the money donated on both pages will go to Cats Protection. Alternatively, you can expire one of your pages and then just keep sharing the remaining page.

Q. Can I just raise money offline with a sponsorship form?

Yes, you can download and print a sponsorship form here. A link to the downloadable sponsorship form will also be included in an email sent to you once you’ve registered for the Big Winter Roam. Once completed, please send your sponsorship form to ‘Freepost Cats Protection’ and write ‘Big Winter Roam’ on the back of the envelope.

Q. How do I get started with my fundraising?

  1. Once you have set up your fundraising page, personalise it with your own pictures and explain why you’re taking part then share your page on your social media channels.
  2. You could make a personal donation to your page. This helps get the ball rolling for friends and family to donate too.
  3. Share your progress. Let people know when you’ve completed different milestones and keep them updated with how you’re finding the challenge. Be sure to do this when you’ve completed your challenge too. Some people will only donate at the end so don’t let them forget!

Q.  How can I pay in offline donations?

Any donations received outside of your JustGiving fundraising page can be logged as an offline donation. Log in to your fundraising page and click ‘Add an offline donation’. There are a few ways you can then pay in any offline donations to us; on our website, by cheque or over the phone.

  • To pay your funds in online, please visit: cats.org.uk/bigwinterroamsponsorship
  • To pay in by cheque, please address the envelope to ‘Freepost Cats Protection’ and make the cheque payable to Cats Protection. Please write ‘Big Winter Roam’ on the reverse of the envelope or cheque
  • To pay in over the phone, please call us on 01825 741 960

If you have any questions around paying in offline donations please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk or on 01825 741 960.

Q. How can I log my miles on my fundraising page?

While you don’t have to prove your miles, it’s always nice to show your supporters your progress.  

You can link your JustGiving fundraising page to your Strava account so your supporters can see how you’re getting on with your challenge by following the steps outlined on the information page.

Sharing screenshots from Strava or other tracking apps on your social media pages is another great way of keeping your supporters in the loop. 

Q. Why are all distances £20 to sign up? Why does the 15-mile option cost as much as the 100-mile option?

As this is a ‘virtual walk’ which will be done in your own time and on your own routes, we do not have to pass on the huge costs associated with on-site events and all distances can be priced equally. The money from your signup fee will go towards improving the lives of cats and kittens across the UK.

Q. Can I get a t-shirt to wear for my walk?

While we don’t have Big Winter Roam challenge t-shirts available to purchase, you can buy Cats Protection apparel including t-shirts on the Cats Protection Teemill website to sport alongside your Cats Protection beanie while you roam.

Beanies

Q. When will I receive my beanie?

Your beanie will be sent to you within 14 days of registration. If you haven’t received your beanie after 14 days of registering for the event, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 960.

Q. My beanie hasn’t arrived yet. What do I do?

If your beanie hasn’t arrived within 14 days of signing up, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 960.

Q. My beanie has arrived damaged. What do I do?

If you find there is an issue with your beanie on arrival, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk and include a picture of your beanie showing the fault, or call 01825 741 960. 

Q. Is the beanie available in different sizes and colours?

The beanie is unisex and comes in one size (adult) and one colour (purple).

About Cats Protection

Q. What does Cats Protection do?

Cats Protection is the UK's largest cat welfare charity. We help around 157,000 cats and kittens every year thanks in no small part to our network of around 200 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres. You can find out more on our website.

Q. How do I get in touch with Cats Protection?

If you have any comments, questions or queries, please contact our Events team at events@cats.org.uk or on 01825 741 960.

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