LITTLE did I know when I agreed to become the face to help launch St Rocco’s Hospice’s 100 faces fund-raising campaign that we would be thrown into the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic.
The task of raising £1,000 throughout the year seemed a fairly straightforward task – but then COVID struck and all fund-raising plans for all charities were thrown into chaos.
As the year progressed it became more and more difficult to think of a way to raise funds as I had been planning to do it as part of my weekly Warrington Park Runs – but these ended at the end of March.
With all plans thrown up into the air the year-end was suddenly fast approaching when I hit upon the idea of running 100k in the month of December – a distance I had never achieved before after embarking on the Couch to 5k programme just a few years ago.
Doing the 10k as part of the English Half marathon event in September 2018 had been my only other significant running achievement, along with the weekly Warrington Park Runs.
Being extremely proud to have been chosen as Face No 1 for St Rocco’s #100Faces campaign whereby we were all tasked to raise £1,000 each for the charity during 2020, I had planned to be taking part in regular 5k Park Runs throughout the Year to keep myself fit while also trying my best to inspire others to lead fit and healthy lifestyles – but the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to that, followed by some health issues of my own.
Now having completed the challenge and raising over £1,000 for St Rocco’s I would like to thank everyone for their support, not just the financial support for a great cause, but the words of encouragement on my journey.
As we now enter Tier 4 with some dark days ahead, missing loved ones and various business pressures for many, it will be a mentally challenging time.
Doing this challenge throughout December has helped me keep focus and been a huge boost for my own mental health – so I would recommend anyone who is struggling to look at setting yourself a challenge with a New Year’s resolution.
Whether it be running, walking, cycling, sponsored diet or whatever little challenge you feel capable of completing – it will help you – and possibly a local charity as well.
Meanwhile, while I consider what challenge to set myself in 2021, donations for St Rocco’s can still be made below.
Once again thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Three years ago I couldn’t walk up Bridge Street without being out of breath – now I have managed 100k in a month and while I have a few aches and pains I am ready for my next challenge!
Any support will be gratefully received at St Rocco’s who like many other charities have had a testing time this year.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100faces
