Record-breaking year for TMWF 10 hours of sport as over 800 students raise £21,750+

The Malcolm Whales Foundation’s annual 10 Hours of Sport has reached new heights in 2026, with record participation and fundraising totals showcasing the extraordinary power of sport, teamwork and community spirit.

This year’s event saw over 800 students and staff from eight schools across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough come together to take on the challenge of completing 10 continuous hours of sport, raising just over £21,750 in the process.

The County United Through Sport with the following participating schools: Ken Stimpson Academy, Vista Academy, Ely College*, Swavesey Village College*, Nene Park Academy*, Weldon Village College*, North Cambridgeshire Academy* and Hinchingbrooke School.

Five of the participating schools were part of the Meridian Trust*, demonstrating their strength of collaboration across the region.

Hinchingbrooke School joined the event for the first time and made an immediate impact, bringing over 300 participants, including Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty, highlighting the growing reach and recognition of the event.

Taking place under glorious wall-to-wall sunshine, sports halls and outdoor spaces were transformed into vibrant arenas of activity from 7am through to 5pm.

Students rotated through a wide range of activities including basketball, badminton, football, trampolining and more, maintaining incredible energy and enthusiasm throughout the day.

The event once again demonstrated that this is far more than a physical challenge; it is a powerful display of resilience, teamwork and determination, with students supporting one another every step of the way.

At its heart, the 10 Hours of Sport is about young people using their passion for physical activity to make a difference. The event highlights the importance of being active, positive and united in supporting those less fortunate.

Damien Whales, founder of The Malcolm Whales Foundation and a teacher in Peterborough, said: “This represents the biggest and best event so far. There is something quite special about the simplicity of schools coming together through the power of sport. Their enthusiasm, commitment and enjoyment of sport will now go on to make a big difference to those who are journeying through some really challenging times.”

Damien also paid tribute to those who supported the event externally, adding: “We are incredibly grateful to Ben for his ongoing support. He is becoming a real supporter of TMWF — the way he constantly interacts and the time he gives to the community is truly impressive. He has been willing to champion what the charity does and how it can support local people, which we really, really appreciate.”

Funds raised from this year’s event will directly support the ongoing work of The Malcolm Whales Foundation, including

The continued development and delivery of Malcolm’s Retreat

The creation of The Malcolm Whales Centre, a planned wellbeing and treatment hub in the heart of Cambridgeshire

The development of a Family Support and Wellbeing Fund, designed to support families facing treatment or recent diagnosis

These initiatives aim to provide practical and emotional support to children and families impacted by cancer.

The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all participating schools, and in particular the PE staff, whose commitment, organisation and energy make the event possible year after year.

Their dedication ensures that hundreds of young people can take part in an experience that is both enjoyable and deeply impactful.

With momentum continuing to grow, plans are already underway for next year’s event, which will take place on: Friday 30th April 2027

TMWF hopes to build on this year’s record-breaking success by welcoming even more schools and participants across the region.

The Malcolm Whales Foundation is dedicated to supporting children, young people and families affected by cancer, creating opportunities that bring communities together through challenge, resilience and shared purpose.

Anybody wishing to contact us can do so through [email protected] or via our website www.tmwf.co.uk