
FUNDRAISER Rachel Clark completed her 365 miles for We Hear You (WHY) challenge on New Year’s Eve raising over £18,000, funding more than 400 counselling sessions.
On New Year’s Day 2019, Rachel set herself the challenge of running a mile a day for 365 days in aid of local charity, We Hear You, in memory of her mother.
She was joined by hundreds of people at Frome Rugby Club on New Year’s Eve to complete the final mile, where it was revealed that she has raised £18,160 over the year, which is still increasing as sponsorship comes in.
Overall over 5,000 people ran with Rachel, including Michelle Maynard who ran 75 miles, Simon Hurd who ran 34 of the miles and Mathew Lyons and Holly Sparey, both young children, who ran 11 miles each, all receiving a special prize and thank you from Rachel on the day.
Talking to Frome Times Rachel said, “I feel totally overwhelmed. It couldn’t have gone any better on the final mile, the whole year evolved into something really special. From what started as a simple concept, of putting on a t-shirt and running, really took off and the community embraced it. Hundreds turned out for the final mile and we worked out that over 5,000 ran with me throughout the year. The support has been absolutely epic.
“We Hear You made a unique medal for me, which is nice as I’m not a runner; when you take part in marathons and fun runs you get medals, so I like it when I get one.
“I will probably take a month off now, then we will start with the preparations for our world record attempt in June. We have an army of volunteers and people ready to take part, so I’m excited about that.
“New Year’s Day was the first day of not running in a year, and it was quite surreal but I’ll be honest, a weight has been lifted from my shoulders as it was more than just a mile a day. The logistical challenge is over, and that is what was quite stressful at times, as the organisation was quite consuming.
“But it was absolutely worth it, the money we raised but also the awareness of We Hear You. They said that they have never had so many people wanting to use their services, it’s phenomenal.
“I can’t say thank you enough, I’d like to thank everyone individually but that isn’t possible so hopefully through Frome Times I can. I honestly could not have asked for anything better.”
We Hear You said, “What an end to the most amazing year! We have been hugely privileged to be a part of Rachel’s challenge.
“It was an incredible turn out during the final mile and we are so humbled by the effort everyone has made during the last 365 days.
“We want to say a massive thank you to Rachel for all of her efforts in this challenge, it was so much more than a mile a day. Her motivation has been infectious and we will forever recognise how one person’s drive and determination can truly bring a community together, to support something very special.
“We also want to say a massive thank you to every one of you who has run, shared posts, turned up to cheer, and donated.”