ActionCOACH UK Community Surpasses £100,000 Fundraising Milestone in Tribute to Kent Rhodes

Peak District trek unites franchise partners, clients and supporters to honour a beloved coach’s legacy and support young people across the UK

The ActionCOACH UK community

The ActionCOACH UK community has surpassed a major fundraising milestone, raising more than £100,000 for charity through the annual Kent Rhodes Challenge, an initiative created in memory of respected ActionCOACH UK franchise partner Kent Rhodes.

Now in its eighth year, the challenge returned over the first weekend of June, bringing together franchise partners, clients, team members, family and friends from across the UK to tackle the rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes of the Peak District.

Kent Rhodes

Established following Rhodes’ passing in 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer, the event celebrates his enduring impact on the ActionCOACH UK network while raising funds for causes focused on supporting children and young people.

This year’s challenge was organised by ActionCOACH UK franchise partner Phil Chantry and attracted nearly 40 participants. Among them was Marc Eccles, who credited Kent Rhodes’ coaching as the inspiration behind his own journey with ActionCOACH.

Participants completed routes of varying distances through some of the Peak District’s most iconic scenery, raising funds for Children with Cancer UK and the Young Entrepreneur Smart Start Foundation.

Working With Charities

A key figure behind this year’s event was Denise Pitot, CEO of the YESS Foundation, who helped coordinate both the challenge and the fundraising activities. “As tough as the challenge was, we always knew it was only for 12 hours,” said Pitot. “Many young people don’t have that certainty when they’re facing difficulties in their lives. The money raised will help us continue giving young people the support, skills and encouragement they need.”

The latest edition of the challenge pushed cumulative fundraising beyond the £100,000 mark, a significant achievement for an initiative born from one individual’s commitment to helping others.

Throughout his time with ActionCOACH UK, Rhodes was widely admired for his positivity, generosity and unwavering dedication to supporting those around him. Following his death, colleagues and friends established the annual fundraiser to honour those values while contributing to organisations that improve opportunities for children and young people.

Reflecting on the achievement, Ian Christelow, co-founder of ActionCOACH UK, said: “Kent had an incredible ability to bring out the best in people. He challenged us to think bigger, do more and contribute wherever we could. To see so many people continuing to come together in his memory, whilst raising more than £100,000 for important causes, is something I know he would have been immensely proud of.”

In addition to supporting Children with Cancer UK, funds raised this year will help the YESS Foundation expand its programmes providing free life and business skills education for young people aged 12 to 22.

“The funds donated will help us continue delivering life-changing education and personal development opportunities for young people across the UK,” Pitot added. “Every programme we run is designed to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills, helping young people realise what they’re capable of achieving.

“This year we’ve raised over £10,000. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, donated or supported the event. Their efforts will create opportunities for young people long into the future.”

What began as a tribute to a cherished colleague has evolved into one of the ActionCOACH UK community’s most meaningful annual traditions. By combining personal challenge with collective purpose, the Kent Rhodes Challenge continues to honour a remarkable legacy while creating lasting opportunities for young people and families across the UK.