24 hour Cauldron challenge, Brecon Beacons and Malvern Hills: The incredible fundraising efforts of non-league volunteers

We’re now officially in the ‘close season’ with play-offs done and cups won, but that hasn’t stopped some amazing volunteers from getting on with some fundraising efforts for good causes.

Stuart Cripps, Reading YMCA committee man, completed 130 laps of The Cauldron pitch in West Berkshire during 24 hours on Friday night to raise money to support his wife after a pain diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy – something that isn’t going to get better, only worse.

Stuart is hoping to raise £1,600 to upgrade his wife’s wheelchair to make life a little bit easier. Stuart’s wife has written about the diagnosis and the circumstances around it here on the GoFundMe page setup here.

And that's a wrap! 👏👏👏

130 laps in 24 hours, fantastic effort @Stuartcripps4, a great achievement for a great cause.

Donate here: https://t.co/BOd7TkxriB pic.twitter.com/cuyqDn2IYM

— Reading YMCA FC (@ymca_fc) May 16, 2026

Wokingham Town President Mark Ashwell meanwhile is scaling the heights of the Brecon Beacons in aid of MNDA, the Motor Neurone Disease Charity.

Mark writes: “We’re attempting the 10 highest peaks in the Brecons – where the British Army do their training. We’ll be hiking for 10 hours each day covering a total of 27 miles over relentless terrain and inclines as part of the ‘Brecon 10’ on 11th and 12th June.

If you are able to support Mark and his charity efforts, you can do so here on JustGiving.

Windsor & Eton fan Paul Smithson is taking on the Malvern Hills End-to-End challenge. 17 hills, around 15km, and over 3,700ft of elevation, all in one day, as we write this piece.

Paul is taking part in the challenge raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and you can find out more and donate on JustGiving here.

Thanks to everyone who came down and supported the Port today. Great to see old and new faces!

We’re still counting the takings but we think we’re nearing £2k for @ProstateUK incredible 👏🏻

Last chance to donate here ➡️ https://t.co/CkhSHq9KDR

1/2 pic.twitter.com/Z0maPlvi1o

— Holyport FC | Est 1897 (@HolyportFC) May 17, 2026

Holyport meanwhile hosted a ‘Legends Charity Match’ filled with past and present Port players on teams managed by Dan Rapley and Lee Ovens in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

The event included a fun day on Sunday and the club believe they have raised around £2,000 so far.