ATHLETES are speeding to the aid of a hospice with a virtual challenge covering the length of the country.
The 30-day Yakman challenge is expected to raise thousands of pounds to help St Teresa’s Hospice, whose ability to raise funds has been decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lockdown and social distancing led to the cancellation and postponement of a host of fundraisers and the temporary closure of its string of charity shops.
St Teresa’s Hospice needs to raise £3m a year to provide free day, in-patient and community care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
To help, long-time hospice supporter Grant McTaggart has organised the virtual cycling/running challenge, which has attracted 136 competitors and is set to raise about £3,000.
Throughout June, participants can complete one of four options: cycle and run the complete length from Land’s End to John o’ Groats which comprises 774 miles by bike and a 100 mile run; cycle and run from Darlington to John o’ Groats, which is 400 miles on the bike and a run of 60 miles; cycle as far as they can from Land’s End; or run as far as they can from Land’s End.
Competitors, who have paid a £30 entry fee with many also collecting sponsorship, can use a treadmill, exercise bike, or go out and run/cycle while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
They must use Strava to track their activity, which is fed into a league table so that everyone can monitor progress.
Grant, a member of Darlington Triathlon Club, who also organises the annual Taggart Trot run at Christmas for the hospice, said: “I thought about how many events had been cancelled because of the pandemic and the effect that would have on charities like St Teresa’s.
“We organised the Yakman Challenge last year and it went down well so were planning to do it again. Lockdown meant we had to adapt it but there were a lot of triathletes out there twiddling their thumbs, desperate to get out and do something and this allows the runners and the cyclists to get involved.
“It has given them real focus and they are loving it as they are enjoying the competitive element. They are also using it to regain their fitness, lose a bit of lockdown weight and help a very good cause.”
St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Grant and his colleagues have been such staunch and energetic supporters over the years and we really appreciate their continued support, particularly during this extremely difficult period for our fundraising activities.”
St Teresa’s Hospice launched an emergency appeal which is continuing and donations can still be made at: https://justgiving.com/campaign/hugtostts.
Anyone wanting to organise a fundraising activity should check Government guidelines to ensure it can be done safely and for help and advice can contact the hospice on (01325) 254321 or email events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk.