Fundraiser marks triumphant end to 365-day running challenge

Frome fundraiser Rachel Clark has raised a triumphant £14,000 for Frome-based cancer counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) by running 365 miles throughout 2024 in all weathers.

From 1st January last year, Rachel ran one mile every day, finishing the challenge on 31st December, New Year’s Eve, at the Frome Rugby Club, where she was joined by Frome residents, friends, and family, to complete her final mile.

There was a community warm-up led by Mojo Moves of Rare Species Theatre and at the finish line were Frome Town Band and the Frome Town Crier. The event was a celebration of Rachel’s dedication that saw her lace up her running shoes every day to complete her daily run, often joined by others in the community.

“I am so proud of everything we have achieved,” says Rachel, who is Frome’s police inspector and has been fundraising for WHY since 2012, in memory of her mum Shirley and grandmother Phyllis, after counselling helped her cope with their loss.

“As I always say, it really is a team effort. None of my challenges and achievements would have been possible without my family, friends, and the army of support I have had around me. I have been overwhelmed by the community spirit this year.”

Rachel has been fundraising for WHY for around 12 years. Her efforts have seen ‘Team Clark’ break two community Guinness World Records, cycle non-stop from Land’s End to Frome, and pull a fire engine through the streets.  Rachel also won the prestigious National Volunteer of the Year award from the Institute of Fundraising and reached the finals of ITV’s Pride of Britain awards.

“We have smashed our target and raised well over £10,000 this year,” explained Rachel. “This takes the overall total since 2012 very close to £100,000, which is incredible and so needed for WHY to provide their vital services.”

Chief executive officer of We Hear You, Lucy Kitchener, said, “Rachel’s efforts are truly invaluable. Her dedication and hard work throughout the year, regardless of the weather, are instrumental in raising vital funds for WHY.

“Along with the support of all our volunteers and donors, Rachel’s contribution helps us provide free and low-cost counselling to individuals across Somerset, Wiltshire, and Bath and North East Somerset who are affected by cancer or life-limiting illness.”

Head of counselling and wellbeing Joe Cleaver said, “Donations into the service provide essential resources and equipment to run our counselling sessions and courses. From room hire to art materials for children, our counsellors wouldn’t be able to do the amazing work they do without support like Rachel’s. Seeing her dedication to help others following her own experience with our counselling service is remarkable.”    

Pictured Below: Rachel cheering on fellow runners