Press release – 14 February 2025
A grandmother from Cambridgeshire is celebrating her 80th birthday by cycling 80km to raise funds for the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox.
Valerie Allen is taking on the challenge as part of ShelterBox’s Tent for Lent appeal – raising funds to support displaced people around the world.
ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items to people who have lost their homes due to conflict or disaster. The charity’s annual Tent for Lent campaign encourages people to give up something, donating what they raise or save to help fund the charity’s work supporting families who’ve lost their homes to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and conflict.
Valerie Allen says: “After the success of Tent for Lent two years ago when I slept in a small tent for 40 nights, I thought I was about ready for another challenge as the need for emergency shelter seems greater than ever.
“I just cannot imagine how it would feel to suddenly lose your home, even loved ones, and have no shelter.
“I am sure in our troubled world there are even more people homeless due to disasters and war, so I just felt I had to try again to raise money for Shelterbox, which I think is an amazing charity.”
The grandmother-of-nine from Ely camped out in her garden for 40 nights for ShelterBox in 2023 after earthquakes devastated parts of Türkiye and Syria. She slept under canvas in all weather, raising more than two thousand pounds as part of its Tent for Lent appeal that year.
On Thursday 13 March, Valerie’s 80th birthday, she will be cycling 80km – to the initial surprise of her family. Her route, a 10km distance through two Fen villages, which she will repeat eight times with the support of her family and friends.
“I haven’t used my bike for some time, but I had an urge to get it out of the shed and you never really forget how to ride a bike,” says Valerie.
“I know 80km will be a hard challenge, but I am out most days now preparing for my challenge and getting more confident and stronger.”
Louisa Arnold, ShelterBox Community Fundraising Officer, adds: “One of my favourite things about community fundraising is when supporters like Valerie find new and different ways to continue raising crucial funds for a cause that truly matters to them.
“I find it particularly heartwarming that it’s Valerie’s wish to mark her special birthday with a gruelling cycling challenge to raise funds supporting communities who are without adequate shelter after disaster.
“I have no doubt that her challenge and commitment to helping people, who she will never meet, will inspire and give pause to many others.”
Last year, people keen for a challenge gave up their beds, coffees, and social media – raising more than £17,000 for ShelterBox.
Supporting the charity’s appeal this year is the popular Reverand from the latest series of The Traitors, Rev Lisa Coupland.
“Taking part in Tent for Lent provides vital shelter for families who have lost their homes to disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or conflicts,” says Rev Coupland.
“During Lent, together with your Church, your school, community, or by yourself, you can raise funds for emergency shelter. Crucial items like thermal blankets, family tents, or solar lights.
“It’s easy to start your fundraiser. Host a Lent lunch, run a collection, do a sleepout, give up chocolate, swearing, or do a digital detox, it’s totally up to you.”
Every donation, however small, goes a long way whether people fundraise individually, with friends and family, their local community group or congregation.
- £15 can fund a solar light – when families are left in darkness
- £60 can fund a water filter – when all people have is dirty water
- £405 can fund a family tent – when whole families are left without a home
ShelterBox provides different combinations of emergency shelter aid, support, and essential household items. This includes items like tents, tarpaulins, tool kits, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lights, cooking sets, water carriers and filters, as well as cash, training, and other solutions.
Since being founded in 2000, ShelterBox has helped more than three million displaced people across around 100 countries. The charity is currently helping people displaced by conflict in places like Yemen, Syria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Mozambique.
More information about Valerie’s challenge can be found on her fundraising page.
For more information about ShelterBox visit shelterbox.org.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Images and captions included
- Although Valerie is not available for interviews, it is possible to speak with ShelterBox about the difference supporters like Valerie make to its work around the world.
- Video from Rev Lisa Coupland who is supporting the appeal.
About ShelterBox
ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items to families who have lost their homes to disasters. With operational headquarters in Cornwall, the charity also has 13 affiliate organisations worldwide.
The charity has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012. ShelterBox has supported more than three million people since it was founded in 2000. www.shelterbox.org.
