City turns pink to raise £11,000 for youth charity

The Way provides activities and outreach sessions for young people

Residents, schools and businesses united to hold pink-themed events across a city to raise money for a youth charity.

Wolverhampton-based The Way Youth Zone, which helps young people learn life skills, held their first ever Paint the City Pink campaign last month, raising more than £11,000.

Inspired by the pink uniforms worn by the charity's staff, fundraising events included members and parents taking part in a half marathon, a charity golf day and a 100km walk, and schools and businesses holding themed days and raffles.

Lisa Carson, the charity's director of fundraising, said the money would fund a year of activities for 8 to 18 year olds, and up to 25 years old with additional needs.

The Way team members at a pink-themed masquerade event

"This campaign has been a joyful celebration of everything The Way stands for—community, opportunity, and hope," said Mrs Carson.

"It means more creativity, more connection and more chances for young people to thrive," she said, adding the money raised would be used for daily activities like art, sport, cooking and wellbeing workshops.

Paul Snape, the charity's chief executive, said the funds would "help keep doors open to every young person, regardless of background".

"For just 50p per visit, which includes a hot meal, young people can take part in more than 20 sessions every evening," he said.

"Opportunity should never come at a cost young people can't afford."

Parent Sam Baker, who ran her first 10km to support the cause, said the charity had been a lifeline for her family.

"The Way has given me and my children a safe place through a rough year - somewhere the kids can just be kids and talk about how they feel."

The charity said it plans to make Paint the City Pink an annual event.