LOCAL fundraiser Rachel Clark is inviting people to join her as she completes her 365-mile running challenge for the cancer counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) on New Year’s Eve.
Since 1st January, Rachel has been running a mile every single day to raise funds for the charity that supports individuals and their families affected by cancer.
On New Year’s Eve, 31st December, she will run her final 365th mile surrounded by supporters and the local community, marking a triumphant end to the challenge.
“The kindness and support this simple yet effective challenge has generated will never fail to amaze me,” says Rachel, who has been running the challenge in memory of her mum, who died from leukaemia over a decade ago.
Rachel’s ‘365 miles for WHY’ challenge has been more than just a test of endurance. Each day, no matter the weather or location, she has laced up her running shoes to complete a daily run, often joined by others in the community.
Rachel invites people of all ages to join her at her final mile.
“There is no way I would have been able to continue at the level I have without all the support of the local community,” she says. “Many people might think, ‘it is only a mile, it is not far,’ but I don’t enjoy running; I have never done a parkrun.
“I put up on social media where I will be, and I have no idea who will turn up. They come and run with me, I give them a WHY vest, they donate, we have 10 minutes chewing the fat about our day, and then we go again. There could be one person joining me, there could be 12. It has been a great success for the charity and for the community.”
Rachel has also completed some of her mile runs with local schools, running with over 1,000 children this year. “What they have told me when I am running with them has brought me to tears, hearing stories about people in their families who have cancer.”
“If you haven’t managed to join me yet and still want to, please come along to the Final Mile. It will be amazing to end this challenge with a big community turnout.”
Through her efforts, she has raised vital funds and awareness for We Hear You, which provides free and low-cost professional counselling to anyone affected by cancer in Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
“Rachel’s contribution, along with the work of all our volunteers and supporters, raises essential funds that allow us to provide free and low-cost counselling to anyone in Somerset, Wiltshire, or Banes impacted by cancer or life-limiting illness,” explained Lucy Kitchener, chief executive officer of WHY.
The event will take place at Frome Rugby Club on 31st December. Supporters can arrive from 11:30am, where Mojo Moves will lead a much-needed mid-winter warm-up for the crowd. Rachel will then set off for the monumental Final Mile. Spectators are invited to run or walk with Rachel.
