An extraordinary cycling challenge, 4,010km across Europe and an amazing fundraising achievement for St Vincent's Furniture Project.

Back in August, one of our fantastic supporters, Helen (also known as 'The Ninja'), completed one of Europe's toughest endurance cycling challenges – the North Cape 4000.

After 19 days in the saddle, Helen reached North Cape in Norway, having cycled an astonishing 4,010km across Europe and into the Arctic Circle.

The challenge tested her in almost every way imaginable. Torrential rain, freezing temperatures, relentless headwinds, steep mountain climbs, mechanical problems, wild camping and sleep deprivation were just some of the obstacles she faced along the way.

Even the final 30km proved exceptionally difficult, with gale-force winds so strong that Helen was blown off her bike several times. But, true to her nickname, she refused to give up and pushed on to complete the challenge.

Waiting at the finish line was her husband, Ciaran, who had travelled all the way to North Cape to welcome her home. Ciaran is also one of our much-valued volunteers, making the achievement particularly special for everyone connected with St Vincent's.

An incredible fundraising achievement

While completing the North Cape 4000 was an extraordinary achievement in itself, Helen also took on the challenge to raise money for St Vincent's Furniture Project.

We're delighted to announce that, including Gift Aid, Helen has now raised an incredible £6,125.50!

This is a fantastic contribution and will make a real difference to the people we support across Sheffield.

Every year, we help thousands of individuals and families who are moving into unfurnished accommodation or struggling to afford essential furniture and household items. Through our referral network of over 100 partner organisations, we provide beds, furniture and other household essentials free of charge to people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, financial hardship, poor health and other difficult circumstances.

Helen's fundraising will help us continue providing this support, helping people turn empty properties into safe, comfortable and dignified homes.

Thank you, Helen!

From everyone at St Vincent's Furniture Project, a huge thank you to Helen for her determination, resilience and generosity.

Taking on a challenge of this scale is remarkable. Raising more than £6,000 along the way makes it even more special.

We'd also like to thank Ciaran for his support, and everyone who donated, shared Helen's fundraising page and encouraged her throughout the challenge.

Helen, you really are a Ninja! We're incredibly grateful for what you've done for the Furniture Project.

Making a difference to change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people our city

St Vincent's furniture store is a Community Support Project of the St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) that has been operating in the Sheffield area since 1987. We collect, then redistribute recycled furniture and household items to people who are disadvantaged due to poverty, deprivation and circumstance in our community.

How to Request Help

If you find yourself in need of help you will need to be referred to us. Find out how to connect with agencies that can make your referral.

Thank you for thinking of St Vincent’s Sheffield for your donations! Please note that we are normally fully booked at least one week in advance for collections. 

We are always very grateful for the generosity of all our donors, without your support we wouldn't be able to help those most in need.

We are in urgent need of the following donations:

• Two seater sofas (must be clean with no marks or stains and have the 1988 fire regulation label attached)
• Single and double bed frames with mattresses (these must be clean with no marks or stains and have the 1988 fire regulation label attached)
• Single and double mattresses (these must be clean with no marks or stains and have the 1988 fire regulation label attached)
• High Backed Chairs (OT)
• 2 to 4 seater dining tables and chairs
• Chests of drawers
• Clothing rails
• Bunk beds
• Small electricals (toasters, microwaves, kettles, irons, lamps, vacuum cleaners)
• Small bookcases and desks
• Rugs (all sizes)
• Clean towels
• Clean single and double bedding sets
• Pots, pans and kitchen utensils

Please note: We are only able to collect furniture from smoke-free homes, and we can only accept upholstered items and soft furnishings from pet-free homes, as this helps us ensure items are suitable for reuse by the people we support.

If you would like to make a donation or have any items you would like to discuss please call us on 0114 270 3990 or email infosheffield@svp.org.uk. Our office is open 9:00-3:00pm, Monday- Friday. 

The health and safety of our customers and staff is paramount. Our two-man delivery teams have been trained to make collections and deliveries safely with the recommended personal protective equipment and hand sanitiser. Where possible we will collect from your doorstep or from a room of choice. In order to protect the safety of our van crews and admin team, we are unable to collect items from a household which has a member with Covid-19 symptoms, is self-isolating or has tested positive within the last 14 days.

We are making collections of furniture and household hold items.

You can contact us via email at infosheffield@svp.org.uk or phone on 0114 270 3990 Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm.

The Community Impact Award recognises projects that have made a positive impact on the lives of people who live, work and visit Sheffield. This award celebrates initiatives that have helped to enhance the local community, promoting social inclusion and improving the quality of life for all. It honours individuals and organisations that have made a real difference and contributed to the betterment of Sheffield's society.