Two best friends from Marlborough have raised more than £750 for Julia’s House children’s hospice with a month-long Run Every Day challenge.
Bella Venus and Beatrice Granger have been running between 3km and 8km every single day throughout February to raise funds for the local charity and to keep active together during lockdown.
The girls learnt about Julia’s House because they read about families that have been supported by the children’s hospice, which cares for some of the most seriously ill children across Wiltshire.
Beatrice and Bella said: “We wanted to raise money for Julia’s House, which helps children that aren’t as lucky as us – and who have life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. Julia’s House gives these children the help that they need and lets their parents have a well-earned break, as well as time to spend with their other family.
“We think this challenge was a good idea because it was a good way to do something productive during lockdown, away from home-learning. It also gave us a chance to catch up while doing our daily exercise. We also encouraged our friends to run and our mums too!”
As well as their family and friends, the year six pupils have been supported by everyone at Preshute Primary School in Manton. And the girls were delighted to return to school this week to share their news with their classmates.
“Our target for how much money we were going to raise was originally £150, but so far we have raised over £700,” they said. “We are delighted to have raised so much for such a good local cause. People have been very generous.
They added: “Running every day was a good experience and we would definitely do it again. Maybe new trainers might be needed first!”
Claudia Hickin, Community Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “We’re so impressed with Bella and Beatrice’s determination to run every day throughout this very cold, wet and muddy February. We’d like to say a huge thank you to both girls and everyone who has donated – it will make a big difference and bring a lot of smiles to the seriously ill children and families that we care for in the local community.”
You can show your support for Bella and Beatrice’s fundraising challenge and make a donation to Julia’s House here
To find out more about fundraising for Julia’s House or to share your fundraising story, visit the website here
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