50at60: Paul's Mission to Education and Young People

Mar 02, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Paul Williams

UPDATE: I am blown away by recent super-generous donations. Wow. But I do want to stress *any* amount, however small, is really appreciated. Thank you!

I am trying to raise £50,000 in 2025, the year I turn 60, through my own personal giving and hopeful support of friends and the organisations I work with as I undertake various physical challenges. I also hope to speak at STEM-related events throughout the year, particularly to encourage young women and people from diverse backgrounds to develop and pursue a passion for science, technology, engineering and maths.

I really believe the charities I am supporting are making a meaningful difference, and I will personally match all donations - the total above includes the donations I have made so far alongside incredibly generous supporters!

Over the last 10 years, I have discovered incredible organisations in the UK that are doing wonderful things to help young people find their way through education and into the world of work. I have been particularly inspired by the following charities:

Big Change (https://www.big-change.org/) nurturing young leaders, and equipping young people for life rather than just exams;

Mission 44 (https://mission44.org/) illuminating pathways into STEM careers for those from diverse backgrounds;

Stemettes (https://stemettes.org/) helping girls and young women to find their way into STEM subjects;

The Benedetti Foundation (https://www.benedettifoundation.org/) providing opportunities for young people to learn music, teaching much more than just how to play an instrument.

And I love to see young people being involved in the strategy conversations and decisions that form these initiatives.

The Challenges:

I aim to run a 10K every month, and also participate in the gruelling Etape Loch Ness 100KM ride (including a very big hill). Watch this space for more challenges!

26 January: Horsham and district 10K run (unofficial) - DONE
23 February: London Winter Run 10K - DONE
30 March: Mezza Maratona D'Italia 10K run - DONE
17 April: Sussex Countryside 10K run (unofficial) - DONE
27 April: Etape Loch Ness 100K ride - IN TRAINING
4 May: Wings for Life World Run (approx 10K) - IN TRAINING
7 June: Blenheim Palace Half Duathlon
4 July: Brands Hatch 10K
24 August: Asics LDNX 10K
28 September: London Vitality 10,000 10K run
October: TBA
23 November: Run Fest Silverstone Formula 1 Circuit (10K)
7 December: Running GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit (10K)

All donations made through this page on the Givewheel platform will be split between Big Change, Mission 44, Stemettes and the Benedetti Foundation and used towards the projects they are supporting. If you are a UK tax payer, please include Gift Aid if you can - that way the charities get 25% more at no cost to you. THANK YOU!

Supporting

Benedetti Foundation

Community | SC049688

25%

The Benedetti Foundation is a music education charity established in 2019 by violinist and dedicated advocate Nicola Benedetti CBE. We deliver transformative experiences through mass music events, unite those who believe music is integral to life’s education and provide equal access to music participation and appreciation for all.

Mission 44

International | 1199596

25%

Mission 44 is a charity working to build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. We invest in solutions that empower young people to overcome social injustice and succeed.

Stemettes

Education | 1188774

25%

We’re Stemettes. An award-winning social enterprise working to Engage, inform and connect the next generation of women and non-binary people into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM).

Big Change Charitable Trust

Community | 1145224

25%

We find, support, and connect an intergenerational community of changemakers rethinking and reshaping the systems around young people. We nurture them as people, and as a collective, showing a new way is possible. Together we spark lasting change.