Dance for Women’s Health: Laura’s 24-Hour Challenge

From 15-16 May our founder, Laura Murphy will dance for 24 hours to support women in Eastbourne’s mental and physical health. As Laura celebrates her 70th year – and the next chapter of WayfinderWoman – she’s dedicating 24 hours to the women who matter most. Every step, every song, every hour danced represents a woman who needs support.

Dance with her. Donate. Share the message. Together, we can help more women feel less alone, more hopeful, and able to move forward.

Why your support now, matters 

Right now in Eastbourne, thousands of women are facing overwhelming challenges alone. They’re dealing with anxiety, isolation, the cost-of-living crisis, caring responsibilities, health issues and past trauma. Many are choosing between food and essentials. Most fall through the gaps in support services.

The need for your support has never been greater.

Book Your Dance Slot on Eventbrite below

Either make a donation to take part or raise your own sponsorship!

Your Support Matters

Women tell us they’re facing:

• Rising costs forcing impossible choices
• Caring pressures with no breaks
• Mental health struggles with nowhere to turn
• Isolation that deepens over time
• Complex needs that don’t fit into other services

Without our charity, these pressures compound. By the time women reach crisis services, they’re in severe distress. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The difference you will make

Your support means we can reach women earlier, stay with them and help them stabilise before crisis hits. We are there when it matters most.

When we support women, something changes. Through our consistent, compassionate peer support and connection with others who understand, they begin to stabilise. They feel less alone. They take steps forward.

When we first reach women, 82% are struggling with their mental health – but afterwards:

• 81% of women say their mental or physical health improved 
• More than 60% feel less isolated and more connected

Every pound raised through Laura’s 24-hour danceathon will directly enable women in Eastbourne to:

• Access peer support with a trained Peer Supporter when they’re overwhelmed, before crisis hits
• Connect with others who understand their experiences in a safe, supportive space
• Be reached proactively especially if they’re isolated or don’t know support exists
• Receive consistent, trauma-informed support that meets them where they are
• Build confidence, stabilise their wellbeing, and take practical steps forward

“I felt like I could conquer the world if I really wanted!”

This year alone, we’ll reach over 250 women. But we know there are many more who remain unseen. With your support we can reach them earlier, before their health deterioriates.

Support the 24-Hour Challenge

When: Noon Friday 15 May to noon Saturday 16 May 2026

Where: MissionFiit Hailsham activity hub  (with livestream available)

What: Laura will dance through 24 different styles over 24 hours, guided by dance professionals. From energetic afternoon sessions to the challenging pre-dawn hours, she’ll keep moving to support women’s health.

MissionFiit’s neighbours, The Rum Infusionist will help people celebrate through Friday afternoon and evening. The Danceathon will be live streamed via our YouTube Channel, thanks to Brian Drinkwater. We also thank Ace Corporate Fitness for supporting Laura’s endurance training!

Donate

Every contribution helps more women access support when they need it most.

• Just £30 could fund a one hour support session for a woman facing isolation and anxiety, helping her take the first step toward improved mental health
• £50 could pay for a volunteer to reach women in their neighbourhoods, helping them access support and ensure their health does not deteriorate
• £100 could fund a support group session, helping 12 women build or rebuild their confidence, reduce isolation and improve their mental health

Join the Dance

Dance with Laura for an hour or more, in person or virtually. Make a suggested donation of £5-10 per hour, or raise £20+ in sponsorship. 

Help prepare for the Danceathon

This is a big event – local businesses are already excited about it and getting involved.  Thank you to sponsors Lightning Fibre and Pro-Eco.  There’s more to do, so if you can help with pro-bono services or sponsorship then please get in touch!

Donate via JustGiving

 Our Goal

We need to raise at least £7,000 to reach to more women. Every pound you can give makes a real difference to women’s lives. Don’t forget Gift Aid can increase all donations by 25% at no extra charge to you too. 

Real impact, real women

WayfinderWoman is led by women, for women. 100% of our team have lived experience of the challenges we support. We understand what it takes to move forward because we’ve been there.

You can also help with the planning or on the day – contact us on info@wayfinderwoman.com

Connect with us on Facebook, Insta and TikTok

We can’t wait to see how much dance can really be packed into 1,440 minutes!