From Miles To Millions

An incredible £5 Million has been unlocked for five charities thanks to people across Britain getting active as part of Crowns for Causes, our collection of challenges on fitness-tracking app, Strava.

Since its launch at the start of Summer, over 310,000 people signed up to get moving, logging more than 4.8 million walks, runs, and other activities across our three Strava challenges. Participants who completed their challenge could then choose to support one of five charities - Cancer Research UK, Hospice UK, Mind, Guide Dogs and Royal British Legion.

Each challenge was designed to make exercise more accessible while encouraging people to get active for good causes.

Walking proved the most popular way to get active, followed by running, workouts and yoga. Together, participants clocked up more than 21.5 million miles and almost four million hours of activity across the summer.

Among those inspired to take part was DJ and broadcaster Adele Roberts, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and chose Cancer Research UK as the charity she wanted her activities to support.

Since receiving her diagnosis and undergoing treatment, Adele has been a dedicated supporter of the charity, taking on marathons and even smashing world records in her efforts to raise funds for its life-saving work.

Reflecting on her latest challenge, Adele said: "Moving my body has played a huge part in helping me through the toughest of times with my cancer journey, which is why I've loved taking part in Crowns for Causes.

"It's been a brilliant way to combine my passion for staying active with supporting Cancer Research UK, a charity that means so much to me. I know just how important their work is, and how much hope research gives to people affected by cancer.

"This challenge from Postcode Lottery hasn't been about being the fastest or going the furthest, it's simply been about moving in a way that feels right. It's been a total pleasure to join the thousands of other people that have taken part - every pound we've raised together will truly make a difference and support life-saving cancer research."

Adele was one of thousands of participants whose efforts helped unlock funding for their chosen cause, with £5 Million shared across the five charities.

• Cancer Research UK - £1,815,650: Supporting world-class cancer research to help save and improve more lives. £1 Million could fund a clinician scientist studying breast cancer for five years, while £750,000 could fund 18 months of research into glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer.

• Guide Dogs - £1,197,150: Helping create life-changing partnerships that give people with sight loss greater independence, confidence and freedom. £1 Million alone could fund 10 guide dog partnerships from puppyhood through to retirement.

• Mind - £1,087,450: Helping people access trusted mental health information, advice and support. £1 Million could fund Mind’s information and publications for an entire year, helping people make informed decisions about their healthcare, understand their rights and get the support they need.

• Hospice UK - £406,350: Supporting hospices to deliver the best possible care for people at the end of life, with £100,000 enough to set up a programme supporting innovation in hospice care.

• Royal British Legion - £373,451: Supporting the Armed Forces community, including veterans recovering from service-related injuries and mental health challenges. £100,000 could fund 10 new adaptive e-bikes at RBL’s Battle Back recovery centre.

Crowns for Causes was championed by Postcode Lottery ambassador Davina McCall, who encouraged people across Britain to get moving.

Davina McCall, Postcode Lottery ambassador, said: "I absolutely loved being involved in Crowns for Causes. It’s incredible to see what people can achieve when we all get moving together. More than one million activities is a huge achievement and knowing they’ve helped unlock £5 million for five brilliant charities makes it even more special."