Wearside Roller Derby's Pier to Pier 11km Fundraising Skate 2026
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It's that time again! Dig out your outdoor wheels; we're hitting the stunning coastal path between South Shields and Roker to raise money for an incredible local cause.
On Sunday, August 30th 2026, Wearside Roller Derby will hit the seven-mile/11 km route between two of our region’s most scenic piers for the third year running. This year, the big skate will raise funds for local charity The Red Bench Project and for the team.
This year, our team voted to support a charity that’s close to home in more ways than one. South Shields-based organisation The Red Bench Project works to prevent suicide by offering immediate support to people experiencing mental health crises.
So far, five Red Benches have been placed at local suicide hotspots, giving people the chance to sit and reflect, take a moment to calm themselves, or even use the bench to access the help they need quickly.
Founded by suicide survivor Wayne "Rambo" Groves after his own experiences with depression and the loss of a close friend, the project has grown from a single red bench on the South Shields seafront into a powerful movement. Today, the charity encourages communities to look out for one another, inspiring simple acts of kindness that can make a life-saving difference.
With the support of fundraisers and donors, The Red Bench Project is expanding across the UK, installing more benches, raising awareness of mental health, and helping ensure that anyone in crisis knows there is always someone who cares and somewhere to turn for help.
On our route, we’ll pass two of the five Red Benches that are currently dotted around the South Tyneside area – and with a bit of luck, we’ll be able to help fund another.
The event will also help support the team so it can keep growing and offer more people the chance to take part in this exciting and inclusive sport. The team is entirely funded by its members, whose dues cover hall hire, equipment for training and for new skaters, and a hardship fund to make sure that any members going through financial difficulties don’t have to give up on a sport they love.
All funds raised will be split 50/50 between The Red Bench Project and Wearside Roller Derby.
🛼 HOW TO SUPPORT PIER TO PIER 2026 🛼
If you'd like to chip in to our fundraiser, you can do so here: https://gofund.me/046fda23a
Wanna join the fun? You're more than welcome to skate with us! All we ask is that skaters make a £5 donation to the fundraiser. So lace up your skates and we'll see you at the starting point.
Skater sign-ups: https://forms.gle/7sQrFmFvt9dEh3sQ7
THANK YOU!
On Sunday, August 30th 2026, Wearside Roller Derby will hit the seven-mile/11 km route between two of our region’s most scenic piers for the third year running. This year, the big skate will raise funds for local charity The Red Bench Project and for the team.
This year, our team voted to support a charity that’s close to home in more ways than one. South Shields-based organisation The Red Bench Project works to prevent suicide by offering immediate support to people experiencing mental health crises.
So far, five Red Benches have been placed at local suicide hotspots, giving people the chance to sit and reflect, take a moment to calm themselves, or even use the bench to access the help they need quickly.
Founded by suicide survivor Wayne "Rambo" Groves after his own experiences with depression and the loss of a close friend, the project has grown from a single red bench on the South Shields seafront into a powerful movement. Today, the charity encourages communities to look out for one another, inspiring simple acts of kindness that can make a life-saving difference.
With the support of fundraisers and donors, The Red Bench Project is expanding across the UK, installing more benches, raising awareness of mental health, and helping ensure that anyone in crisis knows there is always someone who cares and somewhere to turn for help.
On our route, we’ll pass two of the five Red Benches that are currently dotted around the South Tyneside area – and with a bit of luck, we’ll be able to help fund another.
The event will also help support the team so it can keep growing and offer more people the chance to take part in this exciting and inclusive sport. The team is entirely funded by its members, whose dues cover hall hire, equipment for training and for new skaters, and a hardship fund to make sure that any members going through financial difficulties don’t have to give up on a sport they love.
All funds raised will be split 50/50 between The Red Bench Project and Wearside Roller Derby.
🛼 HOW TO SUPPORT PIER TO PIER 2026 🛼
If you'd like to chip in to our fundraiser, you can do so here: https://gofund.me/046fda23a
Wanna join the fun? You're more than welcome to skate with us! All we ask is that skaters make a £5 donation to the fundraiser. So lace up your skates and we'll see you at the starting point.
Skater sign-ups: https://forms.gle/7sQrFmFvt9dEh3sQ7
THANK YOU!
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Where is it happening?
The Conversation Piece, South Shields, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherWearside Roller Derby
