Are you looking for a New Year’s adventure that will truly make a difference? Want to see some of Britain’s most glorious scenery while you’re at it?
Well, in that case, Metro’s brand new Lifeline challenge is definitely calling your name.
Taking place in May on the Isle of Wight, you can choose to walk – or even run, if you’re feeling particularly fit – 25km, 53km or 106km around the island and help raise money for Metro Lifeline’s chosen charity for 2025: Missing People.
The only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones, we’ll be sharing stories about their amazing work – and asking Metro readers to sign up to our challenge, to help raise vital funds for them, too.
‘Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK,’ Jo Youle OBE, CEO of Missing People, tells Metro.
‘That means life is lonely, scary, and uncertain for 170,000 families every year. Right now, people are searching for children, fearing for their safety. They are searching too for mums, dads, brothers and sisters, and grandparents who suddenly feel very vulnerable. But with your support we can be there for people who are missing and those who love them. However long it takes.’
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So, if you want your New Year’s Resolution for 2025 to truly make a difference, lace up your trainers and join us in the Isle of Wight next year.
SIGN UP TO THE METRO LIFELINE CHALLENGE HERE
Just five miles off the coast of Hampshire, across the Solent, it’s only two hours door-to-door from London – and participants can even get a ferry discount thanks to our event organisers Ultra Challenge.
On the day, not only do our trekkers get hot drinks at the start-line and free food and sweets at checkpoints, but they get a unique opportunity to explore the Isle of Wight for an unforgettable experience, no matter what distance.
‘Last year’s Lifeline event with Ultra Challenge along the Jurassic Coast was an incredible adventure,’ says Claie Wilson, Metro’s Deputy Editor. ‘The sense of achievement after taking on such a big challenge, all the while knowing we are doing it for such an amazing cause, really is unbeatable.
‘It’s sounds such a cliche, but it’s a really memory making thing to be part of – and so good for the soul.’
This year’s route will take in breathtaking scenery such as the Needles, a dramatic stack of rock which lies off the western point of the Isle of Wight, along with a hike through the historic town of Cowes.
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‘This is a popular event in our calendar, and we are expecting over 2,000 to join us on the island,’ Jan Smolaga, Business Development Manager at Ultra Challenge, tells Metro. ‘From a 25km quarter challenge, to the full 100km loop around the island, there’s an option for everyone. The 2024 Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge raised £580,000 for UK charities, and we hope to exceed that total next year.’
Talking about joining forces with Metro for our 2025 Lifeline campaign, Jo Youle adds: ‘We are so thrilled! Please sign-up for the Isle of Wight challenge and get fundraising. Or you can donate to the Lifeline campaign and help someone find support and safety.
‘Together, we will be raising vital funds for our Helpline, Support Workers, and counselling. Services that help people to cope in the most heart-breaking of times. And to save lives. Thank you to Metro and every reader for this brilliant support throughout 2025.’
Sign up to this year's Metro Lifeline challenge
Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. That means life is lonely, scary and uncertain for 170,000 families every year.
Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting them and their loved ones and that's why this year Metro is proudly supporting them for our 2025 Lifeline campaign.
To help raise vital funds for the charity we would love you to join us on on 3 May for a 25km, 53km or 106km hike on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
Registration starts at just £15 with a fundraising minimum of £240 (25km) / £360 (58km). Alternatively, you can pay for your place and set your own fundraising target.
Whether you want to do it as a group or are signing up solo, as part of Team Lifeline, you’ll receive tons of support and advice, so that every step you take can make a massive difference helping those whose loved ones have disappeared.
Click here to sign up and find out more.
To make a donation to Missing People, please click here.
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