The Banbury United family is still feeling the recent loss of our friend, Simon Pearce – ball boy, mascot and loyal home and away supporter. Simon spent many months in the care of Katharine House Hospice, and this June, we're going to do something fantastic in his memory, and to give something back for the care he received.

We're entering a team in Pace Around the World, Katharine House Hospice's brand-new virtual challenge – and we want as many of you as possible to join us.

What Is Pace Around the World?

Running throughout June 2026, Pace Around the World challenges participants to collectively cover more than 40,000 miles in 30 days – the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe. The virtual route passes through more than 30 countries, starting and finishing at Katharine House Hospice in Adderbury.

Every mile you log – that can be walking, running, cycling, swimming, wheeling, even gardening – counts towards the shared total. Our grounds team will surely get us to Dover in one afternoon!

As it’s the off-season, we thought it was a perfect time to do something healthy and purposeful together – both virtually, and we may organise some group walks.

How to Take Part

You can either enter the challenge or just donate to our effort, to help cover the £50 fundraising target per entrant.

If you want to join us, registration costs £20 if you enter by midnight on Thursday April 30th. After that, it’s £30. Enter yourself by completing this online form, and don’t forget: enter ‘Banbury United FC’ as your team. If you want to cover the minimum £50 fundraising target per person yourself, there is the option to do so via the online form.

You'll get access to the Pace Around the World website from 26 May, plus a Katharine House T-shirt to collect from the hospice from 1 June.

No Fitness Tracker? No Problem

You don't need a Fitbit, Garmin or Apple Watch to take part. Steps and activities can be added manually – so there's no barrier to joining. We will help you if you get stuck!

Can't Take Part? Please Consider Donating

If joining the challenge isn't for you, a donation to our JustGiving page would mean a great deal. The target amount will adjust to match the number of team members entered. We're starting at £500. Every pound goes directly to Katharine House Hospice, in memory of Simon.

Just Giving page link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/banburyunitedfc

Why It Matters

Katharine House Hospice costs more than £5.9 million a year to run. Two-thirds of that has to be raised through fundraising – from people like us. They cared for Simon. Let's give something back.

If you have any questions, please email Claire clairedumbreck@banburyunitedfc.co.uk