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 £6.6million 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.”
