Looking to challenge yourself in 2022? Fancy setting some new fitness goals? Reckon you’re up for a 10K, or even a Half Marathon?
It doesn’t have to be running – perhaps you’d prefer to tackle something else entirely?
A lot of us will already have our New Year’s resolutions picked out and lined up, but if you’re really up for a test in 2022, then one of Manchester’s most iconic charities is offering an ideal incentive to get going by giving The Manc’s readers and followers an exclusive opportunity to get £25-worth of entry fees to any sponsored event refunded if they choose to commit to raising some worthy funds in its name.
If you’ve not heard of We Love MCR before, the charity works with some of the city’s most vulnerable people and ambitious communities to help them write Manchester’s next chapter.
The charity says it knows too well the problems that the people within our city face, especially as one in three children live in poverty, one in 10 have no qualifications to their name, and alongside that, there are also those who seek to create division within our communities – but, the charity’s seeks to address these challenges.
It aims to do so by “spreading opportunities” and “helping communities to build themselves up” through direct financial support.
And taking part in a sponsored event or challenge could not be a more ideal way to help.
We Love MCR Charity wants to help ambitious Mancunians achieve their goals in 2022 / Credit: Great Manchester Run
For whatever it is you’re keen to set your mind to, there’s plenty of challenges already lined up in the Manchester events calendar for 2022.
Need some inspiration?
One of the largest events – and the highlights of the year – is the Great Manchester Run.
This year, the Great Manchester Run returns on Sunday 22 May, and with entertainment zones that celebrate local character and culture at every kilometre, some of the best – and loudest – crowd support anywhere in the world, and all the action televised live on the BBC, it’s known as an event day experience like no other.
Depending on your choice or running ability, the Great Manchester Run has both a 10K circuit and a Half Marathon that you can sign up to.
Entries are open to runners aged 15+ (10k) and 17+ (Half marathon) on the day of the event.
The WLMC Firewalk in St Peter’s Square on 13 October 2021 / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
All sponsorship money raised by those undertaking the 2022 Great Manchester Run, or indeed any sponsored event across the city-region throughout next year, will go directly to supporting We Love MCR Charity’s two current grant programmes – the ‘Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund’, and the ‘Stronger Communities Fund’ – which both support local communities and ambitious young Mancunians to overcome the barriers in their way and recover from the problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ‘Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund’ awards grants to ambitious young Mancunians to remove the first hurdle that prevents them from fulfilling their ambitions – in qualifications, work and entrepreneurship.
While the ‘Stronger Communities Fund’ aims to empower local people to improve their own communities and spaces, whenever they are ready.
The Great Manchester Run returns on Sunday 22 May 2022 / Credit: Great Manchester Run
2022 is set to be another big year for the charity.
And you can be a part of that.
You can download the exclusive refund entry form on the link below, and sign up to do a sponsored event of your choice in 2022 for We Love MCR Charity.
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx to open flagship store in Manchester this week
Daisy Jackson
Premium outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx is opening its first brand store in Manchester this week – and its first UK shop outside of London.
In the brand new two-storey retail space, shoppers will find everything they need for their outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or snow sports.
The new store will be packed with technical, high-performance outerwear and equipment, from footwear, packs and accessories to Arc’teryx harnesses you can try out in-store.
Everything is designed with a commitment to perform in even the most demanding of environments – and yes, that includes the brutal rain of the North West of England…
It’s a fitting location for Arc’teryx to open a milestone new store, just 25 miles from the Peak District and the gritstone climbs that helped to shape trad climbing in the UK.
Inside the 567 sq metre shop on New Cathedral Street, there’ll also be a ReBIRD™ Service Centre that will offer free gear repair, care, and washing services, ensuring your equipment stays in peak condition season after season.
That’s alongside a dedicated Community Area designed for events, movie nights, and gatherings, plus a local map that highlights the best spots for climbing, hiking and trail running around Manchester.
UK athletes and local ambassadors will be sharing their favourite places to visit, inspiring your next adventure.
Once inspiration strikes, you can pick up a local trail book in the community area, and buy these top-of-the-range bits of kit, choosing from Arc’teryx’s core assortment, including trail and climb gear, with snow gear to follow.
Local artists will be on hand to create inspirational artworks, starting in July with an installation from NOTS.
Sven Radtke, General Manager Arc’teryx EMEA, said: “Manchester is a vibrant urban hub that serves as a launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to diverse natural landscapes makes it a gateway to the outdoors and a haven for hiking, climbing and other activities.
“Our goal is to help our core communities get out, doing what they love, equipped with the most high-performance gear to reach their goals.”
The Canadian brand is already distributing products through more than 2,400 locations worldwide, but this new Manchester opening is a key milestone for adventurers in the UK.
Arc’teryx opens on 6 New Cathedral Street on Thursday 10 July.
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
To celebrate the opening, Arc’teryx is running a series of events and experiences:
10 July – Store opens
17 July – Grand Opening Party (RSVP opens on 11 July and will be linked on Instagram @arcteryxuk)