This year’s Sheffield Bummit will be one of the biggest yet

Preparations are shaping up for this year's Big Bummit charity hitchhike, which starts next month and is looking set to be the biggest one to date.

Differing from previous years, in which two separate trips have taken place, this year's Bummit organisers have decided to go ahead with one bigger and better trip, which runs from 26th March to 3rd April.

This follows on from The Biggest Baby Bummit Ever, which took place in November and saw hundreds of students set off to Edinburgh, and last year's Big Bummit to Riga, which raised £41,921.74.

Bummit has come a long way since the first hitchhike to Bognor Regis in 2003, rather than the shores of Sussex, the final destination this time around is the scenic town of Split, best known for its beaches, in Croatia.

Students taking part have to raise £250 in sponsorship, which can be done through selling glow sticks at Pop Tarts, cake and bake sales, and even throwing wild house parties.

The Charities

This year's five charities are incredibly worthwhile and are tackling issues that need to be faced. They include South Yorkshire Refugee Law and Justice, which helps asylum seekers prepare fresh appeals by giving them much needed legal advice and support, and High Peak Foodbank and Zinc Employability, which aims to reduce poverty through a food bank and employment support.

The other charities are The Sheffield Association for the Voluntary Teaching of English, providing free opportunities to learn English to tackle social and economic isolation in Sheffield; Action, who manage a seven day a week domestic abuse helpline, as well as an outreach service for victims; and Sheffield Mind's male mental health services.

The latter offers support services to help men who have not been engaged in traditional mental health services on offer. Sheffield Mind provides a more informal setting for people to talk about their feelings and difficulties, as well as a drop in service to address feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with mental health issues.

It includes a secret location

Maddie, who is on the Bummit committee, said of this year's hitchhike: "This year's route is going through some spectacular places, ranging from Austrian Alps to sandy beaches of Split, including a secret location that you will not forget."

The hitchhike costs £75 which includes a hostel, restaurant meal and a big night out in Split, as well a hostel and night out at the undisclosed halfway point and comprehensive insurance for the trip. City guides, a "Bummit Bible" filled with hitchhiking tips, and a goodie bag are also included. Tickets are running very low, and available online or from the Students' Union box office.