running Land's End to John o'Groats for Friends and Families
A virtual challenge that started on 1 January and is now nearly done.
A virtual challenge that started on 1 January and is now nearly done.
Jon has spent the year running (“with a bit of walking”) from Land's End to John o'Groats. It's a virtual challenge of 874 miles and when we filmed with him he had 44 miles left to go.
He chose to raise money for Friends and Families because of what a local charity can mean to a family. "I think Friends and Families is important to the local community," Jon says.
“When the diagnosis happens, they may not be aware of support. It's a shock to them, the complete shock. So to have somewhere where they can drop in, have a coffee, talk through that process, I think does make a difference."
Jon also wanted to put siblings in the spotlight. "Sometimes the siblings, the brother and the sister, actually form a massive part of support. So to help them and to give them an avenue, or a release, is really important."
Money raised through challenges like his is unrestricted, which means we can spend it directly on supporting families. That flexibility is a big part of why every pound counts.
You don't need to run 874 miles to make a difference. "You could do any challenge," says Jon. "If it's couch to 5k, it can be anything. 25 steps, 250 steps, 250 runs. There's lots of opportunities."
As for Jon, he is already thinking about what comes next. "I'm almost done and now I'll be thinking of the next challenge next year, which is great." He admits that 1 January feels like a very long way back.
Thank you, Jon, for every mile.
Fancy a challenge of your own?
Get in touch on info@friendsandfamilies.org.uk or 01752 204369, or take a look at our fundraising page.