Liz’s Epic Journey

One of those individuals, our team member Liz, is super healthy, super fit and super into triathlons, so her taking on an immense physical challenge for charity wasn’t all that surprising. However, when we found out just what she was doing, we were all shocked. Liz had decided to run the Virtual London Marathon to raise money for Oxfordshire Mind after all the loss of funds charities have had to bear this year. She hadn’t planned to do it, and was aiming on completing it with just 3 weeks training. Yes, you read that right. 

This incredible feat was unfortunately put on hold when she received an injury, but she didn’t want to let her sponsors down. So, instead, she got up at the crack of dawn and completed a 220km cycle, cycling for an unbelievable 8 hours and 51 minutes. Powered by flapjacks, she rode from sunrise to sunset across Aylesbury, Oxford, Reading and the surrounding areas. We are in awe of her for completing this incredible ride for charity, and want to stress that her Just Giving page is still open, so you can help her meet her target for Oxfordshire Mind. Congratulations, Liz! 



Alix’s Self-Motivated Half Marathon

The other member of our team to get sweaty for charity is Alix. She had registered for the Reading Half-Marathon this year to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association with her Sonning Ladies hockey team. Sadly, the husband and father to two of her team members had passed away from the disease earlier in the year, so Alix aimed to raise funds for the charity which had provided her teammate and family with such amazing support during that time. 

A self-declared run-hater, Alix underwent training every week for months to prepare for the half marathon. The event was due to take place in April, but it was unfortunately cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. Undeterred, Alix continued training throughout the year, even battling through Covid herself. In November, after a second cancellation, she decided she would complete the half marathon by herself before the end of the year. 

On the 14th November, she ran 13.1 miles, aiming to finish her half marathon in under 2 hours. She smashed it, finishing in an outstanding 1 hour 55 minutes. Despite putting herself through one half marathon already, she still plans on earning more sponsorships and completing the official Reading half marathon next year when the event is hopefully reinstated. We are extremely proud of Alix for completing her half marathon and her continuing commitment to raising money for a great cause. If you can spare a donation to support Alix, please visit her Just Giving page here.