Where has Challenge 13 come from?

When Sands launched Challenge15 four years ago, we asked you to challenge the numbers by challenging yourself. We wanted you to drive down the number of babies who die before, during and shortly after birth, and you did. Thanks to your amazing efforts you have helped reduce this number from 15 to 13.  

Because of you and the changes you have made possible, 1,065 fewer babies have died. 

Whilst this progress is amazing, there is still so much more work to be done. Today in the UK, 13 babies will die before, during or shortly after birth and a further 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in loss. 

Every number represents a much wanted and dreamed-of baby and we must continue to challenge the numbers until every family gets to watch their baby grow up.  

We need to continue our work to save these babies and ensure they have the start to life that every family wishes for. Join us on this challenge to end the heartache of baby loss.

What challenges can I do as part of Challenge 13?

You can do anything you like that challenges you. This could be across a certain distance like 13 miles or 13 km, or it could be across a certain time period such as 13 days. Some examples of the challenges you could do are:

• Run, walk or jog 13 miles  

• Give up chocolate, alcohol or social media for 13 days 

• Do 13 press ups, sit ups and squats every day for January 

• Lose 13 pounds in weight 

• Spend just £13 per person per week on food for January

When can I do my challenge?

Anytime you like! We suggest starting in January, but it's totally up to you. Last year, we had someone commit to taking on 14 marathons in a year! There's no deadline to sign up, and no deadline to complete your challenge.

What if running 13 miles seems too much?

Then don't run! You can swim 13 lengths every morning for January, walk 13 minutes a day for 13 days, or attend your favourite fitness class 13 times before your birthday. Set a goal that works for you and listen to your body. Everyone is different. We’ll be here to support you every step, splash and pedal of the way and we're here to support you raise funds for Sands at the same time.

How do I sign up?

To sign up to the challenge, join the Challenge 13 Facebook group by clicking 'Join group' above.

Once you’re in the group, you can register for your fundraising pack, set up your fundraiser, get tips, be inspired and find out anything you want to know about the challenge! 

I don't have Facebook but want to take part. How do I do this?

No problem! Simply fill out the registration form here.

We will send you a fundraising pack and t-shirt and you can set up an online fundraiser on Justgiving.

Can I register as a team?

Yes of course - and you don't all need to set up a fundraiser! Just drop us an email to teamsands@sands.org.uk to let us know how you are and what you're doing, and we can sort out packs for everyone involved.

Is there an entry fee or fundraising target?

There is no entry fee for this challenge. We do however ask you to fundraise as part of your challenge. Facebook Fundraisers are the easiest way to raise money. You can set one up in a few seconds here. And then it’s really easy to share the page with your Facebook friends.

How do I raise money?

Facebook Fundraisers are the easiest way to raise money. You can set one up in a few seconds here. And then it's really easy to share the page with your Facebook friends. 

What is a Facebook Fundraiser?

As well as fundraising offline, you can now hold a fundraiser on Facebook.  It’s simple to set up and very easy for friends and family to donate to it without having to leave Facebook.

Set up your Facebook fundraiser by clicking here.

Can I raise money offline?

Absolutely. You can collect sponsorship in any way you like. We simply recommend Facebook Fundraisers for this challenge as they’re easy and hassle-free, but if you’d like a sponsorship form, you can download one by clicking here.

Can I use Justgiving to raise money?

Yes, if you would like. Facebook sends the money directly to us and doesn’t charge you or us any fees, but if you would like to set up a fundraising page on another online platform, we recommend Justgiving. 

Someone I know accidentally donated to my Facebook Fundraiser. Can you issue them a refund?

Unfortunately we can’t issue refunds - Facebook must do this. People can request a refund themselves from Facebook by following the below steps:

Send them this link: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/162031714239823

1. Select — I donated to a fundraiser on Facebook
2. Select — I want a refund for my donation(s)
3. Select — I made a donation by accident. Find their donation in the dropdown and request the refund.

My friend's donation isn't showing on my fundraiser. Have you received the money?

Sometimes it can take 24 hours for a donation to show on a fundraiser. If it still isn't showing after this time, we suggest contacting Facebook Support, as we can only see the donations showing on your page. 

You can contact Facebook Support here.

Will I receive anything at the end of the challenge?

You will receive a certificate thank you for taking part in Challenge13 and helping us challenge the numbers. If you raise £150 or more by 1 March you will receive a Chalelnge13 medal. 

We are here to support you throughout your challenge. If you still have a question that isn't covered here, then get in touch on teamsands@sands.org.uk