- M&S’ Big Fun-raiser returns from 4-13 June 2026, uniting colleagues and customers across the UK as they raise funds for headline charity partner YoungMinds
- In addition to in-store fundraising, 18 M&S colleagues will take on the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle challenge across 10 days
- Customers can support the week-long event through at-till donations, or by getting behind local fundraising activity nationwide
- Since launching in October 2023, the M&S and YoungMinds partnership has raised £6.6 million - already exceeding the three-year target of £5 million
- The partnership has contributed to YoungMinds supporting millions of young people and the adults in their lives, including through their Parents Helpline
M&S today announces the return of its Big Fun-raiser for YoungMinds. The event brings colleagues and customers together across the UK to raise vital funds and awareness for young people’s mental health.
Running from 4-13 June 2026, the Big Fun-raiser will see colleagues across M&S stores and support centres take part in a nationwide programme of fundraising activity.
At the heart of this year’s Big Fun-raiser is a Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle challenge, where a team of 18 M&S colleagues will cycle the length of the UK over 10 days.
The challenge will create moments for colleagues, customers and local communities to come together and show their support along the route, joined by representatives from YoungMinds.
Meanwhile, the rest of M&S’ colleagues will take on their own ‘Together We’ve Got This’ challenge - tracking their own physical activity and fundraising efforts throughout the campaign. Stores nationwide will support through local fundraising activity, with customers able to donate at tills.
The campaign forms part of M&S’ partnership with YoungMinds, the UK’s leading charity for young people’s mental health, which aims to encourage more open conversations about mental health and help more young people and families access support.
Since launching in October 2023, M&S has raised over £6.5million for charity partner YoungMinds and is now aiming to reach £7million, ensuring more young people and families get the support they need.
M&S’ fundraising for YoungMinds has included donating a percentage of sales from the Farmhouse Loaves bread range, Doodle Boy Kidswear range, charity Christmas cards. Alongside colleague fundraising challenges, till-point fundraising and Sparks loyalty donations, millions of customers and families have been engaged while raising vital funds.
Guy Humphrey, a colleague from M&S Sweet Briar taking part in the Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge, said: “I have always wanted to complete the Land's End to John O'Groats route, so when I saw this announced, I knew I had to enter. I was incredibly lucky to be chosen. More than just the physical challenge, it’s about raising money for YoungMinds, an amazing charity doing such important work for people struggling with their mental health. We live in such a fast-paced, busy world, and I think it’s crucial to highlight the pressures that young people face today."
Abigail Ampofo, Interim Chief Executive at YoungMinds, said: “We’re hugely grateful to M&S for its support, especially the 18 cyclists taking on such a massive challenge to help young people’s mental health. More young people than ever are struggling with their mental health and the donations from M&S will help us continue vital work such as providing guidance and information for parents and carers on our Parents Helpline, helping them to support the young people in their lives.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Big Fun-raiser will take place from 4–13 June 2026 across M&S stores and support centres in the UK
- M&S Sparks customers can select YoungMinds as their chosen charity on the Sparks app to help raise funds as they shop
- The campaign includes a Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle challenge involving 18 M&S colleagues
- Customers can support the campaign through in-store donations and local fundraising activity
- The Big Fun-raiser forms part of the M&S and YoungMinds partnership, launched in October 2023
For further information, please contact:
M&S Corporate Press Office:
+44 (0)20 8718 1919
[email protected]
About YoungMinds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for young people’s mental health. For more information please visit https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
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For free advice and support for parents, call our helpline on 0808 802 5544