Looking for a different way to raise money for the Ellenor Hospice, Kent County and London Pulse Net Ball Club player Emily Geear (17) was inspired by a Tik Tok challenge to run 24 miles in 24 hours. She just needed a partner to run with.
Speaking about the charity challenge Emily explained: “I wanted to raise funds for the Ellenor Hospice in memory of my Uncle Steve but I needed a partner to join me run one mile every hour for 24 hours – so I asked my mum, Sam.”
Fortunately for Sam Geear her place on the start line was taken by Emily’s friend, Dartford Football Academy student, Alfie Evans (18). Kicking off at 9 am the two teenagers then ran 26 miles over the next 24 hours, slipping in the extra two miles to make the challenge up to a marathon distance.
Having run all day and through the following night the weary runners were joined by their families and friends who helped them cover the last two miles. With the last leg finishing at 8.30 am Emily and Alfie had run the 25 miles in a combined time of 3 hrs 34 mins and raised £1,915 for the Ellenor Hospice.
The Ellenor Hospice provides the best hospice care and support to families facing terminal illness in Kent. They are the only charity in the county which provides hospice care for people of all ages. Their care includes pain and symptom relief, palliative care, end of life care, respite, bereavement support and emotional and spiritual care.